Introducing Billy Alexander CEO

Billy Alexander has been appointed Grampian Autistic Society’s first Chief Executive Officer and will take up his new role on 1st March 2021. The new role will see Billy lead an existing team of dedicated professionals and steer the organisation in its pursuit of the best possible care, support, education and opportunities for people of all ages with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

Billy holds a MSc, PGDip and Paralegal Qualifications. He began his career as a Therapeutic Support Worker, working with Care Experienced children, young people and their families experiencing the challenges of the care sector. He later trained as Paralegal before undertaking various roles in the legal sector.

Billy continued to pursue his passion for human development, supporting some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals in our communities, furthering his studies in Human Sciences. He returned to the private care sector as Head of Care Delivery and Therapeutic Services, leading several teams throughout Scotland, providing therapeutic care and support to Care Experienced young people, many with an ASC, and their families.

Throughout his time in the private sector and providing training and consultancy to several organisations throughout the UK, Billy understood that to make a lasting difference and influence the change needed within the care system, he needed to join the third sector. He joined the national charity SFAD where he led services for individuals and families affected by a loved one’s substance use and drug related deaths, as well as community-based mental health support services.

Affected by exposure to many infringements of rights, the stigma, the lack of opportunity and the absence of love within the care system, Billy joined the leadership team of the national charity Who Cares? Scotland. There he led a team of Independent Advocates and Development Officers across Central Scotland seeking to deliver the charity’s vision of a lifetime of equality, respect and love for all Care Experienced people. Latterly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Billy established the first ever dedicated Counselling Service for Care Experienced people across Scotland.

Billy is a husband, dad to Trouble the Golden Labrador and a proud uncle to his inspirational nephew who has an ASC.