Testimonials
Hear from some of the organisations and individuals I’m proud to have worked with.
“In between the conversations on strategy, finance and other organisational items and multitude of other people around one does not get a chance to express the most important thoughts. In a world which is fracturing, where one sees the predominant desire for self-experience, promotion and individuality there is such a basic human beauty in seeing people engaged in the pursuit of care and for building a generous and compassionate community. You and your team pursue this goal with such grace and teamwork. Thank you Edel for the journey that you have committed to yourself to helping the most vulnerable amongst us. There is difficultly in this world but then there are people like you too in this world. فَإِنَّمَعَالْعُسْرِيُسْرً so, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: Quran 5-94. You will always have my support in your endeavours to building a more caring and compassionate society”
Trustee, Royal Mencap Society
“It has been an incredible experience to work alongside someone with great vision and ability in developing an innovative service, which is now recognised nationally as being a forerunner in its field. During this time Edel supported, encouraged, and enabled me to develop my own career potential, creating opportunity and guidance along the way. Many times, I walked into Edel's office and said, “I have this idea…” this was always met with open ears, intelligent debate, support and encouragement. If I had to sum up in one quality what Edel gave to me, it would be empowerment.”
Former colleague
“Edel provided excellent leadership of the Life Changes Trust as Chair for the first two years of its life. Edel was a diligent and skilled Chair ensuring sound governance, helping Trustees, our Protector and myself to contribute effectively”.
CEO, Life Changes Trust
“As a current Executive Advisor to one of the world’s largest advisory companies, it is rare to meet someone with such deep passion for supporting people of whatever disposition, whilst operating with a clear sense of strategic direction, business acumen and willingness to take managed risks by transforming conventional business models of health and social care to meet the needs of people with disabilities in a challenging economic environment”.
Executive Advisor, Boston Consulting Group
“Edel Harris is an entrepreneur with wow factor. Her passion, drive and strategic mind-set have made a significant impact to the lives of the people who work for and are supported by Cornerstone. As a leader she is recognised as someone who has the potential to change the world”.
EY Partner
The Black & Asian Staff Network subgroup is one of those issues where you decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and get more involved. I am pleased you did not shy away from the challenge but faced it head on and were committed to the journey, which was a bit bumpy sometimes. Mencap is not the same place that it was when you started and some of us have felt the change more than others. I’m sure if you look back to 2020, with all the learning and information that has been done, you will see how far we’ve come and for what it’s worth, I think you should give yourself credit for this, as I know there are a lot of other organisations whose senior management are still resisting change in many areas, not just EDI/anti-racism. I wanted to say thank you for allowing us to have the EDI subgroups and for supporting us in what we are trying to do. What I particularly admire in you was your humility to say you don’t have all the answers and do not completely understand all the aspects of EDI or anti-racism, but you are willing to learn, which I feel is the best position to take. Some CEOs would either have run a mile or shut the whole thing down, but you enabled the subgroups to have the necessary conversations and to work at effecting change in the organisation. There is a long way to go but at least we have started and are making progress.
Chair, Black and Asian Sub-Group, Mencap
Edel has done so much for colleagues with a learning disability and me included. She has made a difference to help make the UK the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live a healthy and happy life. I will miss working with her as I'm grateful and thankful for all the work and support she has given me and other colleagues with a learning disability. On behalf of colleagues with a learning disability I would like to say a big thank you for everything you have done for us!
Activist