The 2024 recipient of the Country Leadership Award for Scotland is Chris Wright. 

For over 25 years, Chris has been at the forefront of transforming mental health services through creative digital solutions, shaping the landscape of mental health care not just in Scotland, but as a model for the world.

Chris has dedicated his career to expanding access to digital mental health solutions. He achieved a groundbreaking milestone by initiating the first national provision of computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (cCBT), commissioning over 20 distinct programs to enhance the mental well-being of citizens across the nation. By adopting a national approach, he has ensured consistent, high-quality provision of services, overcoming numerous challenges and skeptics along the way.

What distinguishes Chris is his focus on service transformation, rather than just technology. He has prioritized change management, engagement, and adoption of digital tools, ensuring that all stakeholders are actively involved in the journey towards digitally-enabled mental health services. His commitment to inclusivity and collaboration has been key to the widespread success of these initiatives. Additionally, he developed a pioneering implementation strategy that has allowed for scalable deployment of digital solutions at a national level. Starting with a ‘test of change,’ he carefully assessed new technologies before expanding them, striking a balance between impartiality and commercial interests. This holistic approach has set a global standard and continues to benefit tens of thousands of lives each year.

Chris’s leadership has been marked by consistent dedication, humility, courage, and decisive action. From the early days of a small-scale cCBT project to embedding digital mental health as a mainstream option, he has expanded access to services for children, young people, and individuals in prison. With an impressive increase in referrals and the successful integration of digital approaches into routine practice, his impact is both measurable and profound.

Let us be inspired by Chris’s vision and dedication, which have transformed mental health care delivery and set a shining example for others in the field.

Congratulations Chris!