Social Care Council
The Church delivers and supports a range of social care programmes in Scotland through its Social Care Council, which operates under the name CrossReach.
As one of the country's largest provider of social services, CrossReach Services include care for older people, help with alcoholism, drug and mental health problems and assistance for homeless people and those with special learning needs.
Although CrossReach is part of the Church of Scotland, its range of services are available to people of all faiths or none at all. The Social Care Council's remit is to offer services in Christ's name and specialist resources to further the caring work of the Church to people in need, such as the elderly, children, families and those with learning difficulties. The Council also helps to identify areas of need and to guide the Church in pioneering new approaches to relevant problems in society and to make responses on issues arising in the Council's areas of concern.
Fair Pay Campaign
A failure to address inadequate pay across the care sector has led to a national recruitment crisis. A new campaign, which has been launched by the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland working with Scottish Care and the Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland, is calling on the Scottish Government to take action to ensure fair pay for all social care workers. You can find out more about the campaign and sign the Faith Leaders' Declaration on Fair Pay in Social Care on the CrossReach website.
About CrossReach
CrossReach was launched in June 2005. It continues the Church of Scotland's long tradition of providing care and support which started back in 1869. CrossReach employ more than 1,800 staff and support some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland. Find out about working for CrossReach
The social services provider has an annual expenditure of around £46 million. Just over one per cent of its funding comes directly from the Church of Scotland, with most of the rest coming from local authorities. Donations and legacies are also essential to help continue its vital care work.
Impact report
CrossReach's latest impact report is now available on their website.
Independent Review of Historical Abuse
Download the Independent Review of Historical Abuse of Children in Care of the Lord and Lady Polwarth Children's Home, Edinburgh
Social Care Forum
You can find the latest information on social care provision on the Social Care Forum website. This includes the latest government reports and policies, research, useful reading and practical resources such as templates.
The aim is for congregations to use the new platform for learning, developing, connecting, inspiring and to be inspired. Churches are encouraged to participate in the development of this national resource by sharing materials they have developed.
Our membership
There are 11 members of the Social Care Council; this includes a convener and two vice conveners. The convener is Rev. Thom Riddell, and the vice convener is Sarah Wood.
Management structure
- Chief Executive Officer: Viv Dickenson, 0131 657 2000
- Director of Older People's Services: Allan Logan 01698 464020
- Director of Adult Services: Vic Walker 01698 464158
- Director of Children and Families Services: Sheila Gordon 01698 464154
- Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development: Claire Hay 0131 657 2000
- Director of Finance and Resources: Eoin McDunphy 0131 657 2000
Stewardship Programme Information
Are you looking for information about CrossReach for your church's Stewardship Programme? We will be happy to supply you with posters/information leaflets and to discuss any other requirements (e.g. speakers or display stands) you may have. Contact Stewardship at 121 George Street.
Contact for more information
Get in touch over the phone 0131 657 2000 or via email at info@crossreach.org.uk.
You can also contact us by writing to: The Social Care Council (CrossReach) Charis House, 47 Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2SR.