Leading north-east social care charity VSA announces today (Wednesday 8th July) the appointment of Alex Busch as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Alex will join the charity in August, bringing more than 20 years of leadership and frontline experience across Scotland's social care and education sectors.

He joins VSA from Camphill School Aberdeen, where he spent more than two decades in a range of senior roles spanning residential care, education, social enterprise and organisational leadership, most recently serving as Executive Director.

Throughout his career, Alex has championed person-centred care and support while leading significant organisational transformation. During his time at Camphill, he strengthened governance, delivered long-term sustainability, led the organisation through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and oversaw major service developments, including new residential provision and community-focused social enterprises.

As Chief Executive, Alex will lead one of the north-east's largest social care charities as it continues to deliver vital services supporting children, young people, adults, older people, carers, and individuals living with complex needs across Aberdeen and the surrounding area.

Speaking about his appointment, Alex Busch says, "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining VSA. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead such a respected organisation with such a proud history of supporting people across the north-east.

"I know it has been a period of change for the charity, but I also know there is enormous passion, dedication and expertise across the organisation. I am looking forward to working alongside colleagues, the Board of Trustees, the people we support, their families and our partners to build on VSA's strong foundations and deliver the very best care, education and wellbeing services.

"Everything we do should be focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for the people who rely on our services. I can't wait to get started, meet the teams and communities that make VSA so special, and help shape the next chapter in the charity's remarkable history.”

James Knowles, Chair of VSA's Board of Trustees, welcomes the appointment, "Following a thorough and highly competitive recruitment process, we are delighted to appoint Alex as VSA's new Chief Executive Officer.

"Alex brings an exceptional combination of frontline experience, strategic leadership and a deep understanding of the social care sector. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to delivering person-centred services, developing strong partnerships and leading organisations through periods of positive change.

"The Board was particularly impressed by Alex's values-led approach, his ability to inspire and empower teams, and his clear vision for the future of social care. We are confident he is the right person to lead VSA into its next chapter as we continue to strengthen our services and support more people across Aberdeen and the north-east.”

Founded more than 155 years ago, VSA is one of Scotland's leading social care charities, delivering a wide range of services that support children and young people with complex needs, adults with learning disabilities, older people, people living with dementia, individuals experiencing mental health challenges and unpaid carers.

Under Alex's leadership, VSA will continue to build on its strong heritage while driving innovation, strengthening partnerships and ensuring the highest standards of care for the people and communities it serves