About Aberlour Children’s Charity
Aberlour Children’s Charity: Helping one of Scotland’s biggest charities do what it does best.
For over 150 years, Aberlour has looked after 1000s of children and families throughout Scotland. Working hard to fight poverty, discrimination and disadvantage, and provide support where it’s needed most. When you’ve been around as long as Aberlour has though, you’ve seen a few things. Changes in attitudes, the type of help families need, and the extra mile you need to go to make real change.
So, how do they ensure they keep up? How do they make sure they’re in the best position to look after those who need it most?
With the support of Investors in People.
- Industry: Social Care
- Location: Scotland
- Organisation size: 500 - 999
150 years in the making
Together, Aberlour has been able to put in place a stronger focus on training and development, so its people have the tools, skills and support they need to do their jobs. Investors in People’s We invest in people framework makes sure they have a clear structure to review what improvements are needed. So everyone has everything they need to help those most vulnerable in society.
2025 was a big year for one of Scotland’s largest children’s charities. But reaching a century and a half only happens when you have the right people in place. Aberlour knows its people are under intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies like the Care Inspectorate and Scottish Social Services Council. So it’s vital that the right training and career development support is in place.
With support from Investors in People, the charity makes sure it gives its people everything they need. Not just to do their jobs effectively but also to progress in their careers. The broad and adaptable nature of the We invest in people framework has helped Aberlour better understand its people’s potential and make sure that more opportunities are in place. From strategic learning plans and individual development programmes to specific qualifications they need. Investors in People has helped the charity make sure their people can develop the knowledge and skills to do the important work they need to do.
This support doesn’t stop with existing employees though. Being Investors in People accredited means new starters join a charity with a commitment to learning, development and wellbeing. They know that the right training and pathways are already in place, which gives them the confidence to grow and focus on helping children and families across Scotland.
‘Being Brave’ strategy
Aberlour’s ‘Being Brave’ strategy is a key element of this work. It ensures their people are always available to listen to what families need. And encourages them to be brave enough to do something about it. Knowing they have the support of senior leaders to back them up.
The charity uses We invest in people to build a culture that encourages people to take ownership of decisions – whatever level they’re at. Giving them the permission to push for real change makes sure more voices from different backgrounds and experiences are heard and that it’s not just senior figures talking. So when ideas are shared, there are processes in place to get important, independent feedback to take it to the next stage.
This is shown in action with how the charity respectfully challenges the Scottish government. Like campaigning to end school meal debt in Scotland – a huge burden on already struggling families, as well as the schools that provide these meals. Aberlour’s campaigning has contributed to the Scottish government setting up funds for local authorities to help clear this debt and offer more free school meals.
A change in CEO and new horizons
After 11 years, SallyAnn Kelly OBE stepped down, and Justina Murray took over in October 2025. SallyAnn’s passion and hard work for improving the lives of children, young people and families in Scotland was well known. Even receiving regular plaudits in the Scottish parliament.
This meant the change in leadership had to be done sensitively. Thankfully, through the support of Investors in People and the application of the principles in the We invest in people framework, Aberlour had already built the processes needed to introduce new people into their team. Using succession planning to ensure critical roles were suitably filled and people could progress. And this was no different for a new CEO.
Since Justina joined, Aberlour has a great opportunity to review its leadership strategy and how the senior team works together. The charity is starting to use We invest in people to develop a wider leadership charter and ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible.
What’s next?
As Aberlour looks to the future, it’s clear that, with a new CEO and new senior leadership team members, the children and families of Scotland will continue to be in safe hands. And with Investors in People there to provide structure and guidance, is well supported as it moves onto its next chapter.
