A major Scottish housing and care provider has appointed Debbie Collins as its next chief executive following a spell as interim chief.

Collins, who joined the Bield Housing and Care in 2023 as chief operating officer, has led the charity since the departure of Lynne Douglas in November after five years in the role. 

Bield provides support to more than 5,000 tenants across more than 170 developments, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for older people.

Collins is a qualified accountant with previous roles as director of finance at social housing association Blackwood Homes, also holding senior financial roles at the Scottish Borders Council.

“During my time as interim CEO, I have had the privilege to see the extraordinary impact our work has on the lives of older people across Scotland,” she said.

“Our independent living offer sits at the heart of everything we do, and I’m excited to continue strengthening and evolving how we support people to live safely and independently in their own homes."