Capella, the non-profit that operates the charitable services Sleep Scotland and Teens+, proudly announces the nomination of Gail Burden as Not for Profit CEO of the Year at this year’s Scottish Women’s Awards.

In the last 12 months, Gail Burden’s exceptional leadership and dedication to the charity’s cause of lasting change through learning has seen Sleep Scotland and Teens+ thrive as they continue to grow at the speed of a start-up, making strides forward, offering invaluable support and services to countless individuals in Scotland and the wider UK.

Burden’s nomination highlights her remarkable achievements at the helm of Capella. This year, the charity was named Employer of the Year by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the positive impact of the work done to become the most employee-focused organisation in the social care and education sectors amid a national social care recruitment crisis. In the last 12 months, Capella’s headcount has doubled, adding 85 Living Wage and senior roles as Teens+ gears up to open its 4th centre, the second in 12 months. This brings the charity’s total headcount to 169, an increase of over Under Burden’s leadership, Teens+ has also launched a new service called NEXT STEPS, a guided extension of Teens+ that enables young people with complex needs to develop skills & explore new experiences and discover what independence can look like for them.

In April, Capella became the focus of national news for its commitment to the wellbeing of its employees, going above and beyond to support its staff during the ongoing cost of living crisis by providing free meals to its 125 staff members across its centres.

“I’m thrilled to be nominated as Not for Profit CEO of the Year at this year’s Scottish Women’s Awards,” says Gail Burden, CEO Capella. “It’s an honour to be nominated for an award that not only recognises the importance of the third sector but also highlights the importance and the positive impact done by women in senior positions in business,” she continues. “At Capella, we talk a lot about realising potential. We help our service users realise theirs every day, whether that’s removing the barrier of a sleep issue or providing education to a young person with complex needs via our TEENS+ service. Everyone deserves to thrive, especially women in the workplace. That’s why it’s important we recognise and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of women across various sectors in Scotland.”

The winners of The 5th Scottish Women’s Awards 2023 will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, 16th September 2023, at The Marriott, Glasgow.