Caroline Lamb

Caroline Lamb was appointed Director General  for Health and Social Care, and Chief Executive of NHS Scotland in January 2021, providing strategic direction to NHS Scotland, with a focus on delivering safe, effective and person-centred services. Caroline is currently leading the HSC system in Scotland through a period of renewal, working with system leaders to deliver improved services to the people of Scotland. 

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Caroline led efforts relating to ICU surge requirements, served as Portfolio Director for Test and Protect, and was Delivery Director for the extended Seasonal Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination programmes. 

Caroline joined the Scottish Government in 2019 as Director of Digital Health and Care Directorate, focusing on advancing digital technologies in health and care services. Prior to this, in 2015, Caroline was the Chief Executive of NHS Education for Scotland (NES), after serving as Director of Finance and corporate resources from 2004 to 2014.  

Caroline is a chartered accountant, and trained in London with KPMG, she then moved to Scotland, initially working in housing and then education, before joining the NHS in 2004. Caroline’s career reflects a blend of financial expertise and a strong commitment to enhancing Scotland’s health and social care services through strategic leadership and innovation.