I joined Shared Lives South West ten years ago, initially as the finance lead before becoming the chief executive in 2018. Prior to that, I worked in the property sector in London before moving to the West Country with my family.
My most important skill is turning complex challenges or opportunities into stories that other people can understand. This helps to build visions and strategies that everyone can contribute towards. I can also understand topics quickly, I have a good memory, and I have a positive outlook, all of which is vital in my role as CEO.
More than any other model of care, Shared Lives sees people with support needs as individuals worthy of a full life, not as numbers.
With 20 years of experience in social care, I’ve led teams and worked in various settings, including eight amazing years with SLSW. My passion has always been centered on supporting people to achieve and grow.
I bring a blend of self-awareness, creativity, and curiosity to every task, always valuing integrity and doing what’s right. My strong listening skills and loyalty, paired with a fun and approachable demeanor, make me a reliable and engaging team player.
I believe Shared Lives is successful because it combines person-centered support with a values-driven community approach, creating meaningful, supportive relationships that benefit both individuals and the wider community.
My career in social care spans from support worker to registered service management, rooted in my own family’s long-term involvement in providing long term Shared Lives services since I was born. I too offered short breaks in my own home alongside my day to day work.
I excel in person-centered care planning within positive behaviour support. My own experience as a carer enables me to find a balance balancing regulatory requirements and that of everyday living.
Shared Lives is the most organic form of social care enabling people to carve out their own lives within the safety of a family home and is extremely cost effective in comparison to the other forms of care.
With over 20 years in the care sector, I’ve held roles like CQC Registered Manager and Operational Manager, ensuring tailored care services.
My leadership is innovative and dynamic, driving projects with creativity and a focus on success. I’m passionate about high standards and forward planning to drive my team.
Out of all my previous roles, Shared Lives aligns most closely with my personal values. It is highly successful as a care model because it provides cost-effective, personalised, community-based support through a charity framework that fosters strong, supportive relationships, promoting independence and well-being.
I have worked in various roles in the social care sector for the last 23 years including support work, community development, training and advocacy. I joined Shared Lives as an SLC in 2015 before becoming a team leader and Registered Manager.
I believe that as I have experienced care and support work first hand, I am able to truly empathise with our carers and help the SLCs find creative solutions to issues that arise. I am naturally a reflective, analytical and practical person who is able to build trusting relationships and empower and support those around me.
Shared Lives is a unique service provision that provides truly person-centred support to individuals, enabling them to live their own life making choices and achieving their goals.
I have spent the last 15 years working with Shared Lives first under Somerset and then for Shared Lives South West. When not walking my dog or spending time with family I volunteer with the charity Safe Families.
My passion for Shared Lives naturally leads me to be an advocate and voice for carers because they are what make us great. As a team I recognise people have different ways of working and skills sets, this allows me to promote a culture that values and respects different opinions, ideas and abilities.
Shared Lives really is just ordinary people leading every day lives, which makes such an extraordinary difference in the lives of the people they support.
Before joining Shared Lives SW nearly twenty years ago, I worked for the local authority as a customer services lead in the revenue and benefits department and earlier in a building society. My current role is far more varied and interesting. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and am gradually working through my travel bucket list.
With a background in customer service, I’m calm and a good listener—skills that are invaluable when supporting people and useful in team settings. My previous welfare benefit knowledge has also been invaluable.
Shared Lives offers unparalleled individual support, helping people achieve personal goals, from independent living to enjoying family life.
Carer jobs with us is akin to adult fostering. We provide people with an alternative to supported living and residential care in a family home.