Director
I was born and bred in Shropshire and I have lived in Shropshire all my life. I have been working in Social Care for over 30 years, 28 of which have been with people with Learning Disabilities in Shropshire. I am totally rooted in Shropshire.
I spent 22 years working for Shropshire Council, 14 years of that managing provisions for Adults with Learning Disabilities, providing Domiciliary support and supported living. In 2013 I left Shropshire Council and started working in the private sector for a large Housing and Support Provider.
In 2016 I joined Positive Steps Shropshire, a small business offering Shared Lives Services and Domiciliary care and support, working mainly with people with Learning Disabilities, Autism, or those with complex support needs. Operating a small business, you have to be adaptable, highly skilled and be able to wear a lot of hats. You need to have a lot of knowledge and be able to do all the roles you would find in a large organisation. It is a very busy role and there is never time to become complacent. In a small business you have to be innovative and resourceful. Partners in Care has been an important resource in the development of our business and provides important links into the care sector.
I was co-opted onto the Board of Partners in Care in 2019 as a Director and I have attended meetings, bringing my skills and knowledge from the perspective of a small business but also representing specialist providers. At the time I joined the Board, small organisations working with people within the Adults with Learning Disability sector were not well represented. I also believe my time as a manager for Shropshire Council is a value, as I have an understanding of the priorities of the Council and commissioners and how that fits with the needs and priorities of a Care Provider.
I hope that my positive attitude and commitment to provide good quality services is helpful to others, my knowledge, skills and my willingness to work collaboratively can continue to be put to good use as a member of the Partners in Care Board.