The integration of health and social care is the Scottish Government’s programme of reform to improve services for people who use health and social care services (find out more here!)
Two health and social care partnerships cover the Forth Valley area – one for Falkirk and one for Clackmannanshire and Stirling – each led by an Integration Joint Board (IJB) which includes carer representation.
Carer representatives are elected following a recruitment process involving the two partnerships, the Carers Centre and other local organisations. Andy Witty was appointed as the carer representative for Clackmannanshire and Elaine Beveridge is the current carer representative for the Falkirk Integration Joint Board (IJB).
Meet the Current Carer Representatives!
Sharon Mwale – IJB Carer Representative, Falkirk
Sharon is an enthusiastic member of the local community, using her experience of caring for her own children to support other carers in the local area. As a member of the local Carers Centre for 7 years; representative on the Partnership’s community-led support programme board; and treasurer for carers charity RISE Forth Valley, Sharon is well accustomed to being a voice for people with caring responsibilities.
She also brings an understanding of the public sector landscape, through more than 20 years’ working as a qualified accountant at a local authority.
IJB Depute Carer Representative, Falkirk
During September’s Carers Voice meeting. we voted for the depute. Mandy received a unanimous vote. We will be shortly adding Mandy’s bio to this page.
Click here for more information on Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership.
Andy Witty – IJB Carer Representative, Clackmannanshire
Andy lives in Alva with his wife and their three
children, including their daughter Sophie, who has additional support needs and recently transitioned from child to adult services. Alongside his wife, Andy is a carer for Sophie, providing the day-to-day support she requires to live well at home and within her community.
The experience of navigating the often complex and challenging social care system, particularly through Sophie’s recent transition, has given Andy valuable first-hand insight into the issues and shortcomings of current care provision. He has used this lived experience to highlight systemic issues and advocate for improvements that will benefit not only his own family but also many others facing similar challenges. Andy is committed to using his voice to help shape services that are person-centred, responsive, and sustainable.
Andy contributes his perspective as a member of the SDS (Self-Directed Support) Lived Experience Group, where individuals and families with direct experience of the care system work together to influence policy and practice. His contributions help ensure that the voices of those directly affected are heard by decision-makers and service providers.
In his professional life, Andy is the Director of Strategic Policy at Colleges Scotland, the membership organisation representing all 24 colleges across Scotland. In this role, he leads a small policy team that works closely with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders to promote and advocate for the vital role that colleges play in Scotland’s education and skills system.
Through both his personal and professional roles, Andy brings a wealth of experience, empathy, and a strong commitment to making positive change for individuals and families who rely on social care services.
Click here for more information on Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership.
Interested in Finding Out More?
To find out more about the carer representatives on the IJB, please contact:
Nicola Weedon (Clackmannanshire) on 01324 611510 (option 2) or email: nicolaweedon@centralcarers.co.uk, or
Sharlene Ramage (Falkirk) on 01324 611510 (option 4) or email: sharleneramage@centralcarers.co.uk.
Information on this page is correct as of June 2025.