Fiona Duncan’s departure from Corra Foundation

Corra Foundation announces that Fiona Duncan will be stepping down from her role as Chief Executive.  Fiona was due to return to Corra in June, following a period of secondment to the ministerial appointment of Independent Strategic Advisor. However, having been invited by the First Minister to continue in this position for a further five years, Fiona has accepted this and will therefore be leaving Corra. 

Fiona shared the following statement: 

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Corra. The past 12 years have been professionally and personally significant, and I am deeply grateful to Corra’s team for their commitment and ambition to making a difference.  

I am also profoundly thankful to the Board of Trustees for their unwavering support. They enabled me to take on the chair of the Independent Care Review in 2017, splitting my time between this and Corra. Since 2020 they have supported my role in implementation of the Review to support Scotland to #KeepThePromise.  

I am so proud of what Corra has achieved, and to have been a part of shaping its bold ten-year strategy. That strategy, and The Promise, share important values of listening, holding lived experience at the heart of everything, and rebalancing power towards those who have not traditionally held it. I know that our shared purpose will continue to connect us and have every confidence in the exceptional team at Corra to drive forward much needed change.” 

Reflecting on Fiona’s leadership, Corra Chair Jude Turbyne said: 

“Fiona joined Corra in 2013, at a time when the organisation was navigating significant uncertainty. Her leadership has driven the strategic direction that has shaped Corra’s work for over a decade. As part of that she led the foundation’s successful rebrand and repositioning within the public and third sector in Scotland, and more widely across the UK. 

Fiona has brought vision, humour and a collaborative spirit, as well as a sharp focus on making a difference alongside people and communities. She had created a strong legacy at Corra, marked by boldness, creativity and a foundation that strives to live its values with humility and a deep respect for the communities we serve.  

On behalf of the Board and staff team, I extend our sincere thanks to Fiona for her outstanding contribution. We wish her every success in her ongoing work which is so important for Scotland’s future. She will be missed.” 

Corra will continue to be led by Carolyn Sawers. Carolyn has held the CEO role since late 2022 when Fiona’s secondment required a far greater proportion of her time. At that point Fiona became Corra’s Strategic Director, an arrangement which concluded at the end of May 2025.