Fay is Chief Executive of multi award-winning charity MCR Pathways. MCR provides a school-based mentoring programme to more than 3,600 young people throughout Scotland each week and has expanded into a total of 16 local authorities. Supported by Scottish Government, MCR is working with schools, local and national Government on ways to permanently embed the MCR model in the education system.

As a former Headteacher and Local Authority education lead, she understands the damaging and potentially long-standing impact that instability at home can have for young people and their families. MCR provides vital mentoring relationships that anchor young people and give them hope and aspiration. It also has a profound impact on education outcomes and wellbeing.

Fay joined MCR from Cumbria County Council where she led a school improvement team with responsibility for over 100 schools including secondary, primary, special schools and a pupil referral unit. She was also strategic lead for Special Educational Needs. Prior to her role in Cumbria, Fay was Headteacher at a large inner-city school in Manchester.