Mark Bevan joins Leuchie as new CEO

Leuchie House's new chief executive, Mark Bevan, took up post on 29 October, bringing with him a wealth of experience from leadership roles across the charity and business sectors.

Mark began his career working in residential care. He went on to spend over a decade at Capability Scotland, rising to the post of Director of Operations where he led a staff team of over 1000 and ran registered care services including holiday and short break services throughout Scotland. From there he moved on to develop his understanding of public policy and corporate philanthropy in posts which have included Scotland Director for Amnesty International and MD of HRH The Prince of Wales’ responsible network in Scotland.

Most recently Mark was invited to lead the Scottish Council for Development and Industry to create and deliver a change programme. Having delivered a governance and staffing review and set the new strategy, Mark was determined to bring his diverse experience back to the care sector and to work in and with his local community.

Mark joins Leuchie House at a landmark time for the people with neurological conditions the charity supports. The Scottish Government is due to publish Scotland’s first ever Neurological Action Plan in the next two weeks. This is expected to enable third sector organisations like Leuchie House to play an even stronger role in ensuring people living with conditions like MS and Parkinson’s get access to the support and services they need.

Commenting on his new role Mark said:

“It is my great pleasure to be picking up the reins at Leuchie House from Mairi O’Keefe, and to be doing so at such an important time for the people Leuchie supports. Leuchie House is a fantastic resource for Scotland, based in East Lothian, setting the standard in delivering the very best health care and support as a central part of a relaxed holiday experience. The forthcoming Neurological Action Plan will set the framework for the future and the Leuchie team sits ready to play a leading role in contributing in every way we can to its implementation.

“I share Leuchie’s commitment to ensuring carers and people with long term conditions get the short breaks they need. I was delighted to learn that Leuchie is offering free breaks in January and February 2019 to carers or family members accompanying their loved one, and I would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this. From everyone I’ve spoken to at Leuchie so far, it’s clear how much of a lifeline this can be.”

Having lived in North Berwick for nearly 20 years, Mark recognises both how important local support is for the charity, and also the role Leuchie plays within the East Lothian community:

“As an East Lothian resident I am very aware that Leuchie House benefits enormously from the generosity of the community through volunteering and fundraising, as well as supporting the local economy as one of the county’s largest independent employers. I look forward to building on these community relationships and to meeting people from across the local area over the coming weeks and months, starting with Leuchie’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 1 December.”