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Vivaldi Finalists Shine at the Social Care Research Awards 2026

Celebrating Research Excellence in Social Care.

The Vivaldi Social Care Team was delighted to see the contribution of social care research recognised once again at the Social Care Research Awards 2026. We are incredibly proud that two colleagues closely involved with the Vivaldi programme, Zoe Shears and Gavin Pathmarajan, were recognised by the judges for their outstanding commitment to embedding research into everyday social care practice. Their achievements demonstrate how care providers are helping to shape the future of social care through evidence generation, innovation, and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for people who draw on care and support.

A huge congratulations to Zoe Shears for winning the Social Care Research Award and to Gavin Pathmarajan for being named a finalist. Their success reflects not only their personal dedication but also the growing role of social care providers in leading, supporting, and championing high-quality research across the sector.

Winners of the Social Care Leaders Awards 2026 – The Social Care Top30

The Social Care Research Award

Zoe Shears, Exemplar

The judges were impressed by Zoe’s enthusiasm and passion for using research as a mechanism to improve outcomes for those delivering and receiving care. Her determination to ensure research is seen as business as usual, influenced by her involvement with the Vivaldi study, has led to the development of research champions and the inclusion of research awareness in staff induction. This has fostered an environment where service users’ voices are included, heard and valued, and where colleagues have the opportunity to influence the research agenda through participation. (sponsored by NIHR)

”This award means the world to me, and I feel incredibly proud to receive this award. What began as an area of interest has grown into a real passion, and I have loved every minute of working with the Vivaldi team. They have given me, my residents, and my team some incredible opportunities to learn, develop, and experience the positive impact research can have.

For me, research is about making a real difference to people’s lives, improving outcomes, and enhancing the care and experiences of those we support. It has become a part of who I am, and I am excited to continue this journey and see what opportunities lie ahead. I will treasure this award, and I am so proud of how far this journey has taken me.”

 

Gavin Pathmarajan pictured centre with Vivaldi Social Care Team members Arnoupe Jhass & Lucy Knight

“Being recognised as a finalist for the Social Care Research Award is a real honour, not just personally, but for everyone at Cinnamon Care Collection who has embraced the opportunity to be involved in VIVALDI Social Care.

When we first became involved, we started with one care home, and within six months, we had expanded participation across all 23 of our homes. This was only possible because of the commitment of our teams and the support of the VIVALDI team.

I have always believed that people living in care homes deserve the same opportunities to participate in and benefit from high-quality research as anyone else. Research should not be something that happens around social care, but something we actively help shape and deliver.

For me, this recognition is about demonstrating that care providers can play a meaningful role in research, bringing evidence into everyday practice and ultimately improving the lives of the people we support.

Social care should not just receive evidence. We should help create it.”

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Ben Miller

Registered Mental Health Nurse

I qualified as a Mental Health Nurse in 2012 from the University of the West of England and have worked in social care my whole nursing career, specialising in nursing dementia care.

I have been a Registered Manager of nursing/residential dementia care homes since 2016 and have achieved the coveted CQC Outstanding rating twice.

Since 2021 I and/or teams/individuals I have worked with have won 15 awards.

One thing I'm really proud of is that at least five people I've worked with as a manager have gone on to university to become Registered Nurses or Nurse Associates.

Leanne Vinakadina

Deputy Manager of Laverstock Care Centre

I am the Deputy Manager of Laverstock Care Centre in Salisbury. I qualified as a nurse in 2009 and worked in the NHS until 2014 when I moved to Wiltshire with my husband who is in the military and our children.

I joined the Social Care sector in 2015 and really felt I had found my calling in regard to my nursing career. I am very passionate about my job and feel it is very important that Social Care and the nursing community within this area get the recognition they deserve.

I have 3 boys and between them, my husband in the military and my work, my days are very full but also very rewarding and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Esther Mackillican

Admiral Nurse at Dorothy House Hospice Care

I’m the Admiral Nurse for Dorothy House. Our Admiral Nursing Service includes supporting patients and carers on a caseload, providing training to professionals and working alongside other providers to ensure equity and outstanding palliative and end of life dementia care across our ICB geography.

I have worked in dementia care for 15 years, starting in care homes in London and Somerset. This gave me the opportunity to gain post graduate qualifications in dementia. I then qualified as an RGN and my first nursing role was in a GP practice assessing, diagnosing and supporting people living with dementia and their carers to live as well as possible.

Kim Whitlock

Tissue Viability Matron

Kim Whitlock is a Tissue Viability Matron at North Bristol NHS Trust. Kim and the NBT tissue viability team promote skin integrity, and provide evidence based wound care.

Kim’s nursing career spans both public and private sectors, enriching her leadership with a deep understanding of care across diverse settings. From her roles as Community Nurse Lead and Regional Complex Care Nurse to managing a nursing home with a specialist focus on dementia, she brings a holistic, person-centred approach to clinical practice. This breadth of experience enables her to identify and address inequalities in wound care, champion continuity across care transitions, and advocate for vulnerable groups navigating the healthcare system.

Teresa Chinn MBE RN QN

Registered Nurse - Brunelcare

Teresa Chinn MBE RN QN is a Registered Nurse who has been working in Adult Social Care for most of her career.

In 2012 Teresa set up the nursing Twitter group @WeNurses and has received an MBE for services to nursing for this work. Teresa has previously worked providing consultancy to organisations such as NHS England, the World Health Organisation and Public Health England and has spoken at conferences internationally about nursing.

Teresa currently works for the Bristol-based charity Brunelcare in the Director of Nursing and Care Services Team. Teresa is currently undertaking a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice.

Jakki Whitehead

Admiral Nurse

I am a Registered Mental Nurse, practicing as a Community Psychiatric Nurse once qualified.

I then worked in a nursing home, in dementia care, doing Dementia Care Mapping and Leadership in Dementia courses, following this up with another Professional Qualification in Dementia Care.

Moving to Riversway Nursing Home in Bristol I became an Admiral Nurse in 2016, supported by Dementia UK with supervision and best practice training.

I work as a Clinical Lead/ Trainer and believe strongly in a specialist practitioner working in a nursing home to promote good relationship-centred care supporting excellent person-centred care for our residents.

Ashleigh Fox

Registered Learning Disability Nurse, Transforming Care Director & Coach

As a Learning Disability nurse by background, and having worked in the health and social care sector over 20 years, Ashleigh’s focus has been on supporting people to live meaningful and fulfilled lives with a focus on bringing people back to their own homes and communities.

Her experience within various organisations both in the public and private sectors has given opportunities for a unique viewpoint on the sector as a whole, and how the care workforce’s contribution can truly deliver impact, as well as how organisations can better support their people to be committed to providing high quality care, especially through a Transforming Care lens.

Ashleigh also has a keen interest in mentoring other passionate professionals who want to make an impact, by being open, approachable and asking questions around what the future could look like, if we took action together in making a difference.

John Powell

Director - Unicare Devon

After 12 successful years in the property sector as an estate agent, I made a life-changing transition into the care sector—a space where I finally felt accepted and able to grow. My journey began at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, working in the Emergency Medical Unit. While this role was deeply rewarding, I became increasingly frustrated by the limitations imposed by bureaucracy and NHS politics. Driven by a desire to do things differently and make a lasting impact, I navigated complex legislation and launched Unicare Devon on a modest budget.

Since founding Unicare Devon in 2009, I’ve worked tirelessly to champion a collaborative approach across the region. My efforts have focused on building strong partnerships with commissioners, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and organisations such as Skills for Care.

We are undoubtedly facing a crisis in the care system—but I firmly believe that the solutions lie in breaking down silos, fostering genuine collaboration, and cultivating a culture free of blame. Through shared values and joined-up thinking, we can create a more sustainable and compassionate care system for all.

Patricia Schofield

BSc Queens Nurse - Director of Nursing and Compliance - Southern Healthcare

I’ve spent more than 40 years in nursing, with the last 23 years dedicated to Southern Healthcare as a senior leader. During this time, our homes have all been rated Outstanding by the CQC alongside receiving other numerous prestigious national awards.

Alongside my role at Southern Healthcare, I’m a Director and Trainer for The Eden Alternative, a values-led programme that focuses on creating vibrant, person-centred care cultures. I also serve as a Director of the Devon Care Homes Collaborative, working with others who share the same commitment to excellence in care.

I passionately believe in supportive social care nurse education, so have developed an Advanced Diploma (CPD) in Adult Social Care Nursing accredited with the University of Bolton, (now Greater Manchester) and I continue to work closely with partners who are shaping the future of social care nurse education. Currently, I’m developing a Social Care Induction Preceptorship Programme, an initiative designed to create clear, rewarding career development pathway to inspire the next generation of social care nurses.

Jodie Andrews

Registered Manager

My name is Jodie Andrews, and I am the Registered Manager of a nursing home in Torbay.

My experience ranges from the acute, primary and social care sectors. Care.

Patricia Schofield

Professor in Clinical Nursing School of Nursing and Midwifery (Faculty of Health)

I am an RGN and I have been recognised internationally for my contribution to the field of pain and ageing by IASP. I have led work around pain and dementia which includes dental pain and pain assessment.

Other studies include a COST collaboration developing a pain assessment tool for adults with dementia. An MRC programme which examined the self-management of chronic pain amongst the older population.

Other areas include collaboration with UNMASS on a falls study and CORNELL on technology use in the older population.

I am also working on dental pain in dementia and virtual reality, frailty and overprescribing.

Charlotte Fry

Independent Nurse Consultant

With more than 30 years’ experience working in Health & Adult Social Care, Charlotte started her career as a Care Assistant working in a Care Home, which provided the foundations of care and communication skills that has been with Charlotte throughout her career.

During her nursing career Charlotte has worked on acute care of the older person ward, community nursing where she gained District Nurse qualification and specialist community teams including care home support and safeguarding adult. Charlotte has also worked in Social Care as a Senior Nurse, and now works independently delivering training and support to health and social care providers.

In 2019 Charlotte was awarded Queens Nurse title by the Queens Institute of Community Nursing. The QN award recognises a high level of commitment and leadership in Community Nursing.

In 2024 Charlotte was awarded CNO Adult Social Care Gold Award for ‘outstanding commitment to infection prevention and control, combined with leadership of South West SCNAC exemplifying excellence and collaboration in social care nursing’

In her spare time Charlotte enjoys spending time with my family and dogs and am an active member of the local Women’s Institute.

Keryn Morris

Locality Manager - Skills for Care

Keryn has been a member of the Southwest Team at Skills for Care for six years.

She previously worked as a Training Manager, where she provided training and apprenticeships in health and social care.

Keryn also has considerable experience in Care Management and a vast background in mental health and the adult social care sector.

Shelagh Meldrum

Chief Nursing Officer - NHS Somerset ICB

Shelagh began her career in nursing in 1987, working predominantly as a senior nurse in acute medicine before becoming a specialist nurse in neurology and NHS Directorate Manager, before leaving to work in the independent sector in 2016.

Following 14 years in the independent healthcare sector as Chief Nurse and Executive Hospital Director, she returned to the NHS. Shelagh has worked in Somerset in a variety of executive roles, including five years as Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive at Yeovil District Hospital.

Having taken up the role of ICB Chief Nursing Officer in June 2022 and, more recently, the additional responsibility of Chief Operating Officer, Shelagh has been able to draw on her knowledge and experience to support improvement, collaboration and operational transformation while ensuring the clinical, care and support voice is well represented across our system. Shelagh’s passion for improving working cultures and having shared values to allow us to focus on the health and well-being of the population we serve will help the ICS to fulfil its promise.

Bernadette Edwards, RGN MSc

Regional Director of Nursing

Bernie has been a nurse for over 30 years and a Senor Nurse Leader for over 15 years working across a variety of sectors including midwifery, acute, community and primary care provider and commissioning organisations .

Her current Deputy Director of Nursing role supporting Professional Leadership, Quality and System Development . Her MSc had a focus on compassionate leadership in healthcare.

Bernies clinical background is in general nursing across Children and Adults primarily leading in health and care integrated teams specifically within community health care settings and Continuing Healthcare policy . Bernie has significant experience in successful transformation and improvement in healthcare.

A significant part of Bernie’s role is to support Nursing Leaders across the South West to deliver the Chief Nursing Officers programmes such as Children and Young People, All age Continuing Care, Community and Primary Care Nursing, Professional Nurse Advocacy, Safer Staffing and Palliative and End of Life Care.

Jill Crook

Regional Director of Nursing

Jill has been a Director of Nursing for 20+ years in a variety of strategic roles including nationally within Chief Nursing Officers directorate, strategic health authority, at a Primary Care Trust and latterly with NHS England and Improvement.

Jill’s clinical background is within both mental health and general nursing with a large focus on community settings including professional development and leadership.

In addition to the current professional leadership role Jill is also has the portfolios for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Autism and Children and Young People, Continuing Health Care and Safeguarding

Cindy Willcocks

Director of Arterne / Registered Mental Health Nurse

Cindy qualified as a Registered Mental Health Nurse in 2000 and has worked in various sectors including the NHS; VCSE and private.

Cindy now leads 3 businesses, part of which includes transformational work in care homes and Cindy has 100% success in making improvements in care homes who have been rated inadequate/requires improvement and face closure.

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Cindy also has an MA in Professional Practice; PG Cert in Transformational Leadership and a Level 5 in Leadership and Management as well as many other related qualifications.

Cindy was listed in the U.K. top ten Nursing Times Florence Nightingale Nurse of the Year Award 2020.

Cindy was also given the Queens Nurse title in September 2023.

She is also a published author and has a passion for influencing education, health and social care.

Cindy is currently completing the Advanced Diploma in Adult Social Care Nursing with the University of Greater Manchester.

Cheryl Angco

Clinical and Quality Assurance Team Lead: Ashfield Services

Cheryl Angco is a dedicated Clinical and Quality Assurance Team Lead at Ashfield Services and the Clinical Director of InvstinU L&D Consultancy, with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare sector.

Her journey began working nights in a local care home while still in sixth form, leading her to become a qualified Nursery Nurse, Adult Nurse, District Nurse, and Educator—all while raising a family of four children.

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Her diverse roles include Community Intravenous Specialist Nurse, Manager, and Trainer, covering the entire South West of England and South Wales. Cheryl has also served as a Global Clinical Auditor with Bupa Centre.

For the past 10 years, she has been a Qualified Educator and spent seven years as the Head of Clinical for a National Training Organisation, where she developed and delivered comprehensive training programs tailored to the unique needs of various healthcare settings. These included the original authorship and ongoing evolution of the beloved CHAPs Course (Care Home Assistant Practitioner). Personal care of both clients and trainers were paramount and reflected in the successful multidisciplinary clinical team who felt they belonged whilst enjoying the independence of self employment.

Cheryl’s extensive experience has equipped her with a unique blend of clinical expertise and a commitment to quality improvement. Cheryl believes in the power of evidence-based practice and continuous improvement, ensuring her clients receive the highest standard of training and support.

With a deep understanding of clinical protocols, quality management systems, and continuous improvement methodologies, Cheryl excels in leading cross-functional teams to implement effective quality assurance strategies that enhance patient outcomes and optimise operational efficiency. Emphasising collaboration and communication, she strives to foster a culture of quality and accountability, ensuring clinical practices not only meet but exceed industry standards.

A strong advocate for sharing knowledge, Cheryl aims to empower others to protect their patients, their profession, and themselves. Recognising the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, she emphasises the importance of wellbeing and holistic therapies in her own self-care and the wellbeing of others.

Cheryl’s broad and extensive career in Health and Social Care across various settings provides a unique perspective. Since leaving the NHS, Cheryl became very passionate about advocating for the private sector, including through successful tenure as a nominated board member with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The SW co-chair position will provide Cheryl the opportunity to leverage her diverse career, qualifications, and skills to make a meaningful impact.

Additionally, Cheryl has a privileged viewpoint of the sector, hearing firsthand from both clients and delegates about the challenges they face.

Shelly Hickey

Head of Quality & Governance – Aria Care

I began my nursing career at London South Bank University in 2005 and initially worked for the NHS. However, I truly found my calling when I took on my first role as a Deputy Home Manager. Over the past decade, I have worked with both small and corporate social care providers in roles including Deputy Manager, Home Manager, and within quality oversight.

I am passionate about making a meaningful difference in residents' lives every day. As Head of Quality and Governance at Aria Care, I firmly believe that nursing within health and social care is a deeply rewarding career. Our highly skilled workforce delivers compassionate, holistic care, and every time I visit a home and work alongside our dedicated teams, I feel incredibly proud of the work we do.

Tracy Eves

Nursing Associate at Healthcare Homes (Meadow House Nursing Home)

I am a mum of 2 boys (both adults). I have been married for 25 years. I enjoy running, eating out, holidays and walks with my dog.

I started as a Care Assistant at Meadow House about 29 years ago and always loved being a Care Assistant. I then became a Senior Carer completing NVQs. Healthcare Homes offered the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, which for me felt like a dream to be able to qualify and learn, whilst still earning. I did the 2-year course and loved it, even the assignments. I had placements including theatres, gastro ward, spoke days with midwives, stoma nurse, social worker and many more. To be able to watch and learn from other professionals was incredible. Just as I was on my last placement covid hit and we went back to our places of work. Though the pandemic was stressful and scary it was a big learning experience. I work alongside the nurses at Meadow House doing the same role with them there for support. Meadow House is an incredible home and I continue to learn as well as gaining confidence within my role.

I won a star of Norfolk award for my role as a Senior Carer. I believe I won this due to my passion for social care. I still have this passion. I still believe the people we care for teach me and so for me to care for them in the best way I can is my way of paying back for what they do for me.

Marisa Spice

Learning and Development Manager - Nellsar Care Homes

Qualifying as a registered nurse in 1998, Marisa has experience in the NHS and working abroad as a nurse and care home manager in Mallorca, before returning to live in the UK in 2013.

Having worked for Nellsar as a nurse, Home Manager, RN Development Manager and Operations Manager, Marisa’s passion for supporting people to develop and become confident and competent in their roles has always been the motivation to work with others. In particular, this is what drives her ambition to be part of the various strategies to raise the profile of social care, particularly for social care nursing (nurses, Nursing Associates, and students).

Marisa’s additional role as Operations and Compliance Manager with two small Homes (Totem and Tamarind Care) supporting adults with complex Learning Disabilities, gives her a more varied scope of knowledge and networking opportunities.

In 2021, Marisa was recognised for her work in social care, becoming a Queen’s Nurse and continues to promote the value and importance of social care.

Sharon Lee

Senior Primary Care Workforce Programme Lead - NHS Kent and Medway ICB

I started my nursing career 44 years ago and still work clinically to this day. 30 years in the Primary Care arena working with some amazing colleagues. I am a Queen’s Nurse and proud to say I was awarded Freedom of the City of London a few years ago, as well as the Cavell Nurse Award.

In my early career I spent a year working within a Nursing home and developed a passion then for supporting my amazing social care colleagues who provide holistic care for our most vulnerable in society.

Helen Evans

Head of Education St. Wilfrid’s Hospice Chichester

Helen worked in acute oncology in London for the first twenty years of her career in various roles, including research (with several publications), oncology service manager and senior lecturer at the University of Brighton.

For the past eighteen years, Helen has enjoyed working in the charity sector in her local hospice initially, in a clinical role as a clinical nurse specialist in palliative care and then back in education, leading a team delivering palliative and end-of-life care education in Sussex and playing a pivotal role in this.

Social care is enormously critical to Helen and for patients at the end of life in this geographical region – Helen has strong links to social care in West Sussex. More recent publications include Loss, grief and Bereavement in Schools and Colleges.

Debbie Clark

RNLD Registered Manager at Egalité Care

I am a Learning Disability Nurse with over 40 years of experience in Health and Social Care. Currently, I run my own organisation, providing support to younger adults in their own homes including Supported Living environments. With a deep commitment to advocacy, my primary goal is to raise the profile of Social Care Nursing, emphasising the crucial role of Learning Disability Nurses. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities, ensuring they receive compassionate and personalised care tailored to their unique needs.

Victoria Mcharo

MSc Professional practice, BSc Health and Social care( District Nursing, DipHE Adult Nursing -Director/ Registered Nurse Manager McNaha Care

Victoria is a long-term care registered nurse. She obtained her first nursing qualification from West London University. Further, she went to complete her nursing specialist in District nursing and community health at the University of Surrey and has been in the profession for over 20 years. During her career, Victoria has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care residential facilities, home-based care and care homes. This being in the NHS and private sector

Currently she manages a domiciliary care agency and supporting all ages to remain in the community being home or residential settings and manage their long-term conditions.

Victoria believes in focusing on the whole person when caring for her patients. She is passionate about providing quality care while remaining mindful of her patients’ individual preferences and needs. In addition to her career in nursing, Victoria enjoys volunteering her time in her local community and spending time outdoors.

Claire Pegg

Regional Research Delivery Networks Health & Care Director for NMAHPs (Kent, Surrey and Sussex)- NIHR

Claire Pegg is an ITU nurse by background who discovered her love for research in 2011 whilst based in that setting. Since then, she has worked in the acute and community sectors delivering research of varying specialities.

In April 2023, Claire was appointed as the Regional Chief Research Nurse lead at the NIHR in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, where she spent 18 months working across all sectors to drive forward research that is led, delivered and supported by Nurses, Midwives and AHPs.

In August 2024, Claire was appointed as the NMAHP Health and Care Director for the newly formed Regional Research Delivery Network in the South East (Kent, Surrey and Sussex)

Rian Gleave

Lead Nurse: Independent Health and Social Care- South East - RCN

Rian is the RCN’s lead nurse for Independent Health and Social Care for the South East region. His role includes celebrating and promoting the complex and diverse independent health and social care sectors and understanding the challenges and innovations to use the RCN’s voice to influence positive change.

Prior to his role at the RCN, he spent two years within the adult social care delivery group at the Department of Health and Social Care, having been seconded from the CQC where he spent a decade leading inspection teams.

Committed to lifelong learning, he has studied for a master’s degree in healthcare ethics and law, a postgraduate diploma in advanced practice (infection prevention and control) and an honours degree in health studies (aggression management).

He has a passion for improvement and removing barriers for nursing staff to deliver excellent care and support.

Marianne Davis

Locality Manager at Skills for Care

Marianne Davis is the Locality Manager covering the Surrey area. She started her working career as a Teacher and taught for a number of years. She came into social care in 1989 as a care worker and progressed into learning and development roles and management roles. Marianne was the RM for a large domiciliary care service and later an Area Manager for a SE charity.

In her role across Surrey, she works with a range of strategic partners including CCG colleagues, ICS colleagues, local authority commissioners, Quality assurance leads, as well as many employers across Surrey.

 

Andrea Lewis

Chief Nurse South East

Since leaving the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) as a Full Colonel in June 2017, Andrea Lewis has had a career within the NHS. She was Chief Nurse at Ashford and St Peters NHS Foundation Trust and has since beginning of August 2023 been Regional Chief Nurse South East England, NHS England.

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Andrea joined the QARANC in January 1994 as a newly qualified Nurse and Private Soldier. She then commissioned in Oct 1996 and during her Army career has undertaken various Clinical and Command and Staff roles. She has deployed with Field Hospitals to Bosnia, Iraq and latterly was Commanding Officer of the UK Military Hospital in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan as Commanding Officer of 22 Field Hospital. It was from her tour in Afghanistan that she was awarded the Royal Red Cross for inspirational leadership.

Andrea lives in Camberley, Surrey and is married to Russell Lewis MC (Grenadier Guards). Russell is an Ex-Regular Officer and now a Reservist who is about to take up Command of the London Guards Regiment. Andrea has a 15 year old daughter Sophie who attends Farnborough Hill School for Girls. Andrea has a BSc in Infection Control and MSc in Healthcare Management and Policy and completed the NHS Leadership Academy Director’s Programme on leaving the Army

Scarlett MacDonald

Commissioning Manager Caring Homes Group

Scarlett is the Commissioning Manager for Caring Homes Group and a Nurse by background.

Scarlett has worked in a number of environments and maintains her Nurse competency.

Scarlett has a passion for excellence in Social Care and Nursing. She has a passion for ensuring everyone has a voice at the decision-making table, equality, treating people fairly and women in leadership making a difference.

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Pat Conteh

Head of Clinical Services at Prestige Nursing and Care

I qualified as a Registered Adult Nurse in 2005 and have since built extensive experience across NHS, community, and private healthcare settings.

Over the past decade, I have held senior positions, including Registered Manager for a national high-tech nursing service, alongside other clinical leadership and governance roles within health and social care.

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I am driven by a commitment to clinical excellence, consistently promoting best practice and high standards of person-centred care to deliver positive outcomes and outstanding quality support for clients.

Karen Bonner

Chief Nurse London

Karen is the Regional Chief Nurse for NHS London region NHS England.

In her qualified nursing career, Karen has worked in several large NHS organisations in London. She was the Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust where she led during the pandemic between 2020-2024. She holds a diploma, a BSc (Hons) in Nursing and an MSc in advanced practice leadership from Kings College University.

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She is a graduate of the NHS Leadership Academy Senior Leaders and Nye Bevan programme and the Leadership College for Government Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) accelerated programme.

From 2017 until 2021 Karen was a member of the National Health Service (NHS) Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) strategic advisory group. She was recognised by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) in 2021- 2024 as one of the 50 most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the NHS, Nursing Times recognised Karen as one of the 75 nurses who have positively shaped the NHS over the past 75 years. In June 2024 she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her contribution to nursing, as part of the King’s Birthday Honours.

Karen is a member of the General Advisory Council at the King’s Fund. In a capacity as a volunteer and campaigner, Karen works with Prostate Cancer UK, to educate and raise awareness of the disease. She is also a Trustee at Helpforce, which seeks to bolster volunteering in health and social care and in 2022 her work saw her recognised as a Burdett Hero by the Burdett Trust for Nursing.

Karen is passionate and privileged to be a nurse.

Bluesky: @karenbonner.bsky.social

LinkedIn: Karen Bonner MBE

Aekta Babhania

Clinical Leadership & Development Lead - Azalea Court

I began my nursing career in 2004, specialising in elderly care within nursing homes. In 2011, I transitioned to complex care for adults with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and long-term care needs.

My role evolved from a care home setting to a community-based environment, leading to a position as a Home IV Therapy Nurse in 2014. In this role, I administered regular IV infusions to adults in their homes, which ultimately led to my involvement in complex home-based care starting in late 2015. My most recent role involved extensive training, mentoring, and competency sign-offs for complex care.

Over the years, I have developed a broad skill set and gained substantial experience in caring for children, adults, and the elderly across both care home and homecare settings. I have benefited from excellent mentorship and leadership, which has enhanced my leadership and management skills. I am known for my excellent communication, rapid learning ability, and proficiency as a mentor and educator.

Prior to joining Azalea Court, I embraced a new challenge in the pharmaceutical industry as a Quality Assurance Assistant, with the long-term goal of supporting my father’s pharmaceutical company while maintaining my nursing registration. Having acquired foundational knowledge in this field, I longed for nursing again, so joined Azalea Court in November 2024.

Alyce Sheedy

Wellbeing Ambassador - Riverstone

Alyce is a dual trained nurse hailing from Australia with over 15 years' experience in both paediatrics and adult nursing and has worked in a number of areas, including international health, medical research, NHS and private care sector. She has a wealth of experience in the older adult health and care realm including care homes, inpatient rehabilitation, community and district nursing, both women and men’s health, live in care, domiciliary care and end of life care. In a previous role as Clinical Director and Registered CQC Manager Alyce found herself breaking down barriers involved with accessing health care in the community.

Alyce now works as a Wellbeing Nurse Ambassador in an independent living, integrated retirement community supporting individuals with their physical and cognitive health enabling then to continue to live independently and add quality and life to their years.

Alyce advocates wholistic, patient centred care and is passionate about supporting people to live their best life on their terms.

Millie Simms

Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care (IHSC)

Millie is an internationally educated nurse qualified in General, Community & Psychiatric Nursing and Midwifery, and was recruited from South Africa to Kings College hospital (SE London) in 1999.

Her experience varies from neurorehabilitation at a renowned centre in Johannesburg, South Africa to orthopaedics and neurosurgery; the corporate world of medical insurance in the UK and her ultimate passion for empowering the nursing profession in her career with the RCN.

Millie is excited to understand the wider IHSC nursing workforce and forge working relationships to promote and influence their value in health and social care and ultimately patient care.

Tawanda Bvumburai

Employer Link Service Advisor for the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

The NMC’s Employer Link Service works closely with employers and stakeholders, to provide advice and support In relations to all aspects of the NMC’s regulatory functions. These include education, fitness to practice and registration. It’s the ambition of the team and the NMC as a whole to expand this offer withing social care, private and voluntary sectors.

Laura Anthony

Deputy Head of Region (London & South East) - Skills for Care

Laura has worked in the social care sector for over 23 years, and her particular specialisms include workforce development, recruitment, and retention.

Joanna Grant

“I’m honoured to co‑chair the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council for London.

I look forward to working with colleagues across London and other regions in England, alongside people with lived experience, to strengthen social care nursing, support our workforce, and drive inclusive, person‑centred care.”

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Joanna brings a wealth of skills and experience from her work in adult social care and complex home care. Her appointment comes at an important time, as the latest CQC State of Care report highlights the growing number of people choosing to receive care in their own homes.

As nurses and care staff, we share a commitment to ensuring that this care is safe, compassionate, and meaningful, enabling people to live well where they feel most comfortable. Joanna’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen social care nursing across London and champion the vital role of community and home-based care.

At the same time, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to Nuno for his ongoing contribution and leadership. While he is stepping down as Co-Chair, we’re delighted that he will remain a valued member of the Council. Nuno has played a key role in fostering collaboration between health and social care, laying the groundwork for future analyses of London Ambulance Service activity with care homes, and promoting research-active care homes and home care services across adult social care.

Louise Keane

I’m a nurse with over 35 years of experience across adult social care and the NHS, both in the UK and overseas. My background spans adult nursing and mental health nursing, and for the past decade, I’ve focused on nurse education particularly in adult social care, with a strong interest in simulation-based learning. I’m passionate about the health and wellbeing of the workforce.

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I developed a health and wellbeing bus and championed resilience-based clinical supervision to support staff across care settings. I'm a proud Queen’s Nurse, a Gold Award holder from the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, and a recipient of multiple HSJ and Nursing Times awards recognising my innovative programmes of work.

I led nationally recognised work in the rollout of digital technology in adult social care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with my implementation praised as one of the most successful. I now run my own education and consultancy business, supporting providers with both workforce development and the integration of digital technologies in care settings.

I am currently the Co-Chair of the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council for London, a role that enables me to champion the voice of social care nurses, influence policy, and drive improvements across the region.

Throughout my career, I have been a tireless advocate for person-led care, always championing the voices, choices, and rights of residents. Ensuring that people who draw on care and support remain at the heart of decision-making is central to everything I do.

Research continues to fascinate me especially its power to elevate practice in adult social care. I’m committed to encouraging more adult social care nurses to engage in research and have championed student nurse placements in social care settings to help shape the next generation of skilled, confident practitioners.

Mobile: 07872585504

Mark Turton

Director of Lincolnshire Care Association and Head of Workforce

Mark qualified as a registered nurse in the early 80s and worked initially in Sheffield for several years in various roles linked to Trauma and Orthopaedics before moving to Lincolnshire, as a ward charge nurse and clinical educator linked to Nottingham University.

Mark qualified as a registered nurse in the early 80s and worked initially in Sheffield for several years in various roles linked to Trauma and Orthopaedics before moving to Lincolnshire, as a ward charge nurse and clinical educator linked to Nottingham University.

In early 2000’s Mark moved across to Social Care, to work for a large national provider within their Workforce Team, as a Skills Manager and then later as a content creator.

In 2015, Mark joined Lincolnshire Care Association, where today, he is Executive Director and Head of Workforce and now heads up a team that looks to support delegated across Adult Social Care.

Ryan Allen

Learning Disabilities Nurse

I’m a registered Learning Disability Nurse, qualified since 2024, with a strong passion for social care and supporting people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives. My work is grounded in person-centred values, dignity, and empowerment — ensuring the individuals I support are heard, respected, and included in every aspect of their care and life.

I have both clinical experience and a values-driven approach to my practice, always striving to improve outcomes and promote the rights and wellbeing of those I support.

As a nurse working within the social care sector, I’m particularly focused on being part of the Social Care Nursing Placement Strategy, contributing to the development of high-quality, meaningful placements that reflect the values and complexity of social care. I’m passionate about championing the role of nurses in this field — not only as caregivers, but also as advocates, leaders, and life changes.

My goal is to help shape a future where social care nursing is fully recognised for its impact, and where students and nurses are inspired, supported, and empowered to see social care as a dynamic and rewarding career path.

Charlie Bitchenor

Training Manager - Heritage Manor

I have worked in Health & Social Care for 40 years. My roles have been varied starting as a housekeeper to carer and to registered nurse. My career has now led me to be the Training Manager for a Nursing Home group of 6 Homes.

I have the best job in the world. I get to support my colleagues to enable our residents to live their best lives. I am responsible for role modelling, coaching, and training best practice and outstanding care.

Some training in care can be repetitive, but I am always looking for new ways to deliver. Not everyone learns in the same way, but I am passionate about making learning accessible and fun.

Kimberley Smith

Practice Education Faciliator at Exemplar Health Care

I am a Registered Adult Nurse with over a decade of experience, having qualified in 2011. I began my nursing career in the NHS as a community nurse, where I developed a strong foundation in holistic, person-centred care. I later transitioned into critical care, gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment that honed my clinical skills and deepened my understanding of complex patient needs.

While I found these roles rewarding, it was six years ago that I truly discovered my passion for social care nursing. Since then, I have worked in a variety of roles across the social care sector, supporting individuals with diverse and often complex needs. I found great meaning in helping people live well in their communities and in settings that promote dignity, independence, and long-term wellbeing.

Currently, I work as the Practice Education Facilitator for Exemplar Health Care. In this role, I dedicate my time to nurturing the development of student nurses, nursing associates, and allied health professionals. My focus is on creating supportive, high-quality learning environments that promote confidence, competence, and a deeper appreciation of the vital role social care plays within the wider healthcare landscape. I'm passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals and advocating for greater recognition of social care within education and practice.

Katie Thorn

Project Manager for the Digital Care Hub

Katie Thorn is a pivotal figure in digital transformation within the adult social care sector. She serves as the Project Manager for the Digital Care Hub, formerly known as Digital Social Care. For social care providers, by social care providers, the Digital Care Hub provides free guidance and support to care organisations on technology, data protection and cyber security. This initiative is supported by the Care Provider Alliance, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Katie has played a significant role in advocating for and implementing digital solutions in social care. She has been involved in co-hosting the first series of roundtables on the responsible use Generative AI in social care with the Institute of Ethics in AI at Oxford University and the subsequent publication of the Oxford Statement. Her work focuses on ensuring that digital innovations in social care are used ethically and effectively.

Diane Mayhew

Co Founder and Campaign Manager Rights for Residents

I am the co founder and Campaign Manager at Rights for Residents.

Four years ago, I never imagined I would become a passionate campaigner, but Covid turned my world upside down. My Mother in Law Jean, was living in a care home with advanced dementia and had always relied on my partner and I for practical and emotional support. When the pandemic struck, she was isolated and forcibly separated from us. We witnessed her rapid decline via windows and iPads and felt powerless to comfort or reassure her.

People up and down the country joined us and became active campaigners, raising the voices of those that weren’t being heard. Motivated by sheer desperation, we began fighting for Gloria’s Law – the right to maintain contact with loved ones in health and care settings.

Our Rights for Residents campaign has been hugely successful in forcing changes to Government policy and ensuring thousands of people living in care, of all ages, were reunited with their loved ones.

Although Social Care is something that affects each and every one of us at some point in our lives, it is only when we are personally affected that we realise how important it is. I feel passionately about working in partnership with others to highlight the importance of Social Care and how we can work together to improve the experience for everyone.

Shirley Way

Midlands Head of Area for Skills for Care

Shirley Way is the Midlands Head of Area for Skills for Care.

Skills for Care is the strategic workforce development and planning body for adult social care in England. We work with employers, Government, and partners to ensure social care has the right people, skills and support require.

Shirley’s team work directly with adult social care providers, as well as a wide range of other partners within the local health and care systems.

Prior to her current role Shirley has many years of experience working within the sector, including as a manager for children’s residential services and developing and managing a care partnership for the adult social care sector.

Social care nurses are an integral part of the sector workforce with almost 40k within England and approx. 750 qualified Nursing Associates (as of 2024). Many social care nurses are also in a management role. We need to ensure that these care professionals remain updated and develop both their clinical, leadership and management skills/knowledge, also that they are offered support and guidance to continue this vital role in the social care sector.

Sandra Prew

RDN National Settings Lead for Residential Settings and National ENRICH Coordinatior (ENabling Research In Care Homes).

My Name is Sandra Prew, I am the RDN National Settings Lead for Residential Settings and National ENRICH Coordinatior (ENabling Research In Care Homes).

I have been supporting research in wider care settings for the last 9 years firstly in Hospice and then in Care homes. I started working with Care Homes 9 yrs ago as West Midlands ENRICH Lead and became the National ENRICH Coordinator during Covid. I support Care home research Nationally and provide support to those working within care homes to become research aware and engaged and also working with researchers with care homes to become research active.

Locally I am an Assistant Research Delivery Manager supporting the development of research in social care settings, including local authorities, Schools, Prisons, and other settings. I have supported the development of policies and procedures to enable organizations to become research-aware, engaged, and active. I am keen to support other settings using the wealth of experience I have from working across these settings and supporting research from idea to the dissemination of research findings

Social care deserves to have its achievements celebrated and those who work in social care should have the opportunity to grow and learn new things to support them both personally and professionally. I believe Research can help us to achieve that goal.

Lynne Bowers

Social Care Nursing Associate - ADASS

Lynne Bowers is a dedicated Social Care Nursing Associate for the West Midlands Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS). With a robust background as a former Matron and Deputy Director of Nursing, Lynne has significantly contributed to the development and implementation of the social care nursing workforce strategy for West Midlands ADASS over the past few years.

Lynne collaborates closely with the Chief Nursing Office and the Social Care Nurse Advisory Councils in the Midlands and beyond. Her efforts have been instrumental in organising and delivering a series of webinars in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing Midlands, aimed at supporting social care nurses.

In her current role, Lynne works with Care Providers and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to facilitate nursing associate and social care nurse apprenticeships across the West Midlands. She is also actively involved in the development of the Care Academy model, focusing on creating comprehensive education and training programs for social care nurses.

There are examples of these initiatives that have led to notable improvements in the sector, including a reduction in emergency hospital conveyances and an increase in the number of people dying in their place of choice. She collaborates at national level and with Skills for Care and their Registered Managers networks to advance social care nursing practice, career pathways, and entry routes into the profession.

Vicky Sandy-Davis

FHEA, MSc Forensic Mental Health Care, PGCHEPP, RN(LD)

Vicky qualified as a Learning Disabilities Nurse in 1996. She has worked across a wide range of services in both the NHS and the independent health and social care sectors. She is a qualified Positive Behaviour Support coach and a self-harm and suicide assessment trainer.

Vicky has recently taken up post with the Royal College of Nursing as Lead Nurse for the independent health and social care sector for the West Midlands region, having previously worked at Coventry University for twelve and a half years, both as Assistant Professor and Course Director for Learning Disability Nursing. For nine years prior to this she worked as a Forensic Community Charge Nurse, and Mental Impairment Community Nurse.

Vicky has a special interest in the support of people with learning disabilities and autism and the criminal justice system.

Louise Luckman

Senior Clinical Quality Assurance Lead NHS Birmingham & Solihull ICB

Louise brings over 35 years of senior-level experience within the NHS and Adult Social Care as a Registered Nurse. Her diverse background includes roles in care homes, hospitals, community services, and as a Specialist Nurse. She has a career as Head of Service, Local Authority Commissioning Manager for Quality and Workforce in Adult Social Care in Solihull, and currently, as the Senior Clinical Quality Assurance Manager for Nursing Homes at Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care (BSOL).

This experience has enabled Louise to have a proven history of strategic planning with NHS and partner organisations, both locally and nationally working with the independent sector and many types of health, social care providers.

Her knowledge of governance, assurance processes, and quality in clinical practice within the NHS and social care services is invaluable. In her current role at BSOL, Louise is responsible for the quality assurance of nursing care and leads the development and implementation of systems and processes within social care nursing.

Since joining the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, Louise has established two networks: the Quality Leads for Social Care Network for the West Midlands region and the BSOL Nurses and Clinical Leads network for nurses working in social care. These initiatives ensure that BSOL benefits from relevant initiatives and that continuity across the region.

Andrea Westlake MSc RGN RHV FiHV

Director of Nursing NHS Birmingham and Solihull

Andrea is a registered Health Visitor and Midwife currently the NHS Birmingham and Solihull Director of Nursing leading on social care nursing, quality and development, and NHS continuing health care since September 2023. This is a new and exciting role which works in partnership with local government, NHS, NGOs and national bodies such as Skills for Care. This role will optimise the value and impact of the social care workforce to improve health and social care outcomes.

Prior to this Andrea held national and regional roles in NHS England, as Deputy Director Community Workforce in the Primary Care and Community directorate leading on the NHS England long term workforce plan (Community) and national community policy (workforce) including virtual wards, advanced practice and Skills for Health capability frameworks. During the pandemic Andrea was seconded to the national Chief Nursing Officer team (CNO Team) as Assistant Director of Nursing and Quality leading on community nursing safer staffing; continuing care workforce recovery and the national community nursing portfolio.

Andrea has extensive and diverse experience in the NHS, Department of Health and local government. She has a proven record of system partnerships, commissioning, and providing excellence in health and social care. Andrea has been seconded to the Department of Health on two occasions to lead on Widening Participation in Learning and latterly, the Call To Action for Health Visiting. She has achieved national recognition and was awarded a Fellowship of the Institute of Health Visiting for services to public health nursing, early years, developing the workforce and service improvement. In addition, Andrea is an accredited Service Improvement Associate: Primary Care Improvement Faculty.

Andrea has had various roles including regional lead for maternity transformation; regional lead SEND reviews working jointly with the Department of Education. Andrea is passionate about early years public health and she has presented Parliamentary evidence for better start in life as well as leading a successful regional programme to deliver the Family Nurse Partnership programme which has evidenced positive outcomes for children and young people.

Andrea is a proud and privileged to continue to have a fulfilling and rewarding 40 year career in health care and public health. She remains fully committed to making a difference for people, improving care and supporting the workforce to be the very best they can be.

Jayanthi Antony

Registered Manager - Julie Richardson Nursing Home

Jayanthi Antony is a distinguished healthcare professional with over 25 years of exemplary experience as a Registered Nurse in the NHS and social care sectors. For the past 12 years, she has served as the Registered Manager of the Julie Richardson Nursing Home in Oxfordshire, achieving an "Outstanding" rating in four of the five domains assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), reflecting her unwavering dedication to person-centred, high-quality care.

Jayanthi holds a Master’s degree in Dementia Studies from the University of Stirling and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in the same field, further enhancing her expertise. She has been recognized with the "Outstanding Dementia Care" award within her organization and was a finalist for the prestigious Dementia Care Manager of the Year Award at the 25th National Care Awards in 2023 for her innovative contributions.

A committed advocate for professional development, Jayanthi has supported staff in progressing into roles such as Registered Nurses and Nursing Associates. She also mentors nursing students during their placements, fostering future generations of healthcare professionals.

Jayanthi’s charitable initiatives have raised funds and awareness for vulnerable populations. Her dedication was nationally recognized when she was named the sole female runner-up for the T. Haridas Social Worker Award by the UK Indian Malayali Association. As Nursing Home Help Team Lead for Kerala Nurses UK, she continues to champion excellence in nursing and strengthen the professional community.

Jo-Anne Wilson

Registered Manager Royal British Legion

Jo-Anne qualified as a registered nurse in the mid-’80s and worked in the NHS in London for several years before returning to Warwickshire. As a ward sister in Northampton, then later a McMillan Nurse, she introduced ‘Primary Nursing’, which at the time was an innovative concept of ‘My Nurse: My Patient’ recognising the importance of getting to know the people we nursed; Person Centred Care

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Jo-Anne moved to work with older people in the late 1990s, where she developed a real interest in working with People living with Dementia and long-term conditions within care homes. As a trustee and trainer for WRAP (Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project), Jo-Anne visited care homes training staff, supporting them to change both attitude and environment positively.

Jo-Anne started working for the Royal British Legion in 2003 as a Registered Manager. She led the home through its first inspection in 36 years and introduced a culture of person-centeredness, innovation, change and excellence. She is passionate about the positive impact and added value nurses make to the social care environment.

Over the years, the home worked with Dementia Care Matters to become an accredited Butterfly Home, with GSF to become a Platinum-rated home, and the home has been rated Outstanding on their last 2 CQC inspections. In 2015 the home was featured in a Channel 4 documentary, Dementiaville, and later awarded Care Home of the Year.

Jo-Anne is an active member of various best practice and research groups and regularly speaks at conferences. She is also Chair of the Skills for Care Registered Managers Network in South Warwickshire. In 2020 Jo-Anne was made a Queen’s Nurse and has been awarded an MBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours List.

Anita Astle MBE

Managing Director Wren Hall Nursing Home

Anita has worked in health and social care for almost 40 years as a Registered Nurse, System Leader and Advocate.

For 34 years, she has led the team at Wren Hall Nursing Home, which is rated outstanding in all five domains by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Anita is passionate about delivering high-quality care, empowering individuals to live well and nurturing individuals to achieve their aspirations.

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Anita is proud to have supported many care assistants to progress professionally; 107 as Registered Nurses, 6 as Nursing Associates, 3 as Midwives and 1 as a Social Worker.

Anita is currently a Board Member for the National Care Association merged with the Registered Nursing Home Association. She has held positions such as Board Member and Fellow for Skills for Care, Governor of a NHS Mental Health Trust and Non-Executive Director of a Primary Care Trust.

Recently, Anita supported the campaign for a Specialist Practice Qualification for Care Home Nursing, believing it important for this area of nursing to be recognised as a specialism.

She has worked with the Queens Nursing Institute Reference Group to develop and map the standards.

Dr Mary Edmonds

Deputy Dean for Practice Learning and Simulation, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin University

Mary has worked in partnership with practice partners to champion innovative practice learning experiences. These include simulated practice learning, a primary care digital placement, student per shift approach and inter-professional Samaritans placements. Innovations that have received national and regional recognition.

Mary is leading a pilot ‘destination pathway’ which provides pre-registration nursing students with placements in primary, community and social care. This pathway supports the ambition to bring care closer to home and provide a sustainable workforce.

Deborah Marquis

Registered Nurse Manager - Care 24/7

Deborah Marquis is the CQC Registered Nurse Manager at Care 24-7 Ltd, bringing over a decade of expertise in nursing, clinical leadership, and quality assurance. Specialising in palliative care and risk assessment, she leads teams to deliver compassionate, compliant, and outcome-focused care.

Her previous roles include Interim Management, Registered Manager of various care homes, Clinical Deputy Management, Practice and Community Nursing.

Deborah is a link nurse for pain and palliative care in the Eastern region, a 2025 RCN Congress voting member, a Healthwatch board member for end-of-life care, and an active contributor to the Social Care Nurses Forum.

Helen Cumbers nee Wright

Norfolk Care Careers Team

Adult social care nursing is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in the wellbeing and dignity of those we support. I’m proud to be part of a network that values and elevates this essential profession.

With a CIPD qualification and a background in public services, I transitioned into the adult social care sector five years ago. Since then, I’ve been driven by a deep passion to help others recognise the transformative impact that high-quality nursing brings — not just to individuals, but to entire communities.

Our sector is rich with opportunity: from the uniqueness of each care setting to the meaningful relationships built between professionals and those they support. There are clear career pathways, diverse roles, and a chance to truly make a difference. However, we face real challenges — particularly around the talent pipeline and future workforce sustainability. That’s why it’s more important than ever to shine a light on the value of social care nursing, and to create space for innovation, recognition, and growth.

Charlene Waldron

Clinical Lead Nurse at Holmwood House

Charlene Waldron, Clinical Lead Nurse, brings over 18 years of nursing experience to her role. Charlene trained locally at the University of East Anglia, earning a Diploma in Adult Nursing, and has since worked across diverse clinical environments, including surgical wards, day surgery units, and community care.

Her passion lies in championing the vital role of nursing in social care. Over the years, Charlene has contributed her expertise to nursing homes specialising in palliative care, multiple sclerosis, and care for young adults with head injuries. She is a proud member of the Nursing in Social Care Advisory Board.

Charlene has just completed her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, which reflects her commitment to continuous growth. She has also taken part in impactful initiatives, including Teaching and Learning in Care Homes, reinforcing her proactive approach to education and quality improvement.

Her leadership style is person-centred and collaborative, focusing on compassionate care and empowering her team to deliver the highest standards.

Victoria Hulstrom

Clinical Director Nouvita Healthcare

I am a Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse and Queens Nurse and have worked in Social care and for Lifeways for 25 years. My current role sees me having responsibility for all health and well-being related policies, providing advice and guidance to colleagues, supporting people to ensure they receive any reasonable adjustments they may need, providing clinical supervision, working with our Learning and Development team to ensure colleagues are suitably trained to carry out their roles, clinical governance, ensuring we are always working towards best practice guidelines and initiatives. I love working in social care and seeing the people we support grow and develop and reach their full potential through the fantastic support they receive.

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Caron Sanders-Crook

Operations Manager Canford Healthcare

Caron has worked as a nurse in health and social care for over 30 years in operational, quality and governance roles and is currently an operations manager for Canford Healthcare.

She is a distinguished leader in social care nursing with a focus on trauma-informed practice, mental health advocacy, and policy development. She served as a panel speaker for the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council at the 2023 Chief Nursing Officers Summit and is on the Advisory Panel for Restorative Based Clinical Supervision, a new initiative supporting social care nurses through the Foundation of Nursing Studies.

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As a former Chair of Trustees for a mental health charity and former Chair of the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council for MSE, she is passionate about social care and the people we care for. She collaborates with the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust to enhance veteran and family services and has contributed to national policy as part of the Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Advisory Panel, the NMC Post Registration Standards Assimilation Process and the Field Specific Standards Reference Group with the Queens Nursing Institute, developing and mapping Standards of Education and Practice for Nurses, for Community Nursing Specialist Practice Qualification.

Her dedication has earned her the prestigious title of Queen's Nurse, the Chief Nursing Officer Gold Award, and the Cavell Star. As an accredited Somatic Trauma-Informed Coach and military veteran, she has authored a best-selling book on living with CPTSD, providing guidance for families. A Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, she also mentors rising leaders in social care and the NHS, bringing compassion and expertise to her support for peers, veterans, and their families.

Alison Small RGN, BA Hons, MA

General Manager

Alison Small is an accomplished General Manager at the Belsfield Care, a position held for the past 2.5 years.

With a strong background in healthcare, Alison initially embarked on a career within the NHS, focusing on cardiac surgery.

Over time, she progressed to become the Lead Nurse for Continuing Care at Blackpool CCG, where she developed a deep understanding of patient care and management.

Alison’s leadership and expertise in both clinical and administrative settings have equipped her with a unique perspective on healthcare delivery, driving improvements and fostering collaboration within teams to enhance service quality and patient outcomes.

Outside of work, Alison enjoys being with her family and her dog, bringing balance to a dedicated professional life.

Sarah Kennedy

Senior Lecturer, University of Bolton

My name is Sarah Kennedy, and I live in Manchester.

I Qualified as both a learning disability nurse and a social worker since 2000 and with experience working within health trusts, local authorities, the voluntary sector and higher education, I am passionate about serving, supporting and working in partnership with people with learning disabilities.

I have been working within higher education for the last 18 years and enjoy giving students the chance to see what a difference they can make to the lives of the people they support, enabling people to live good, valued lives.

I have a particular interest in practice learning and the student placement experience and am passionate about learners having the opportunity to experience as wide a range of settings as possible during their professional training.

Abbie Cliffe

Clinical Lead for Cavalry Healthcare

I am the Clinical Lead for Cavalry Healthcare, overseeing the clinical care provided across our Care Services Division.

I’m a paediatric nurse, and I spent the first part of my career in paediatric intensive care before moving into complex care in the community in 2020. We support children and adults with complex health needs to stay well at home, where they belong.

My role is to ensure we are delivering high level clinical care, but I’m also very passionate about ensuring we support our service users in their day-to-day activities, meeting their needs as an individual and not just their clinical needs.

Jo Willis

Head of Quality & Compliance / RMN – Central Office Northern Healthcare

My name is Jo Willis and I am Head of Quality and Compliance at Northern Healthcare, an adult mental health supportive living provider. I am Registered Mental Health Nurse and worked in Acute, PICU, Rehabilitation and Supported Living within both Adult and Children sectors.

I have over 20 years experience working in health and social care. I have experience in managing and overseeing complex services and commissioning of new services.

I am passionate about mental health and providing high quality person-centre care along with reducing the stigmas associated with mental illness and ensuring the most vulnerable people in our society live fulfilled and enriched lives in safe and caring environments.

Karen Davies

Senior Nurse - Projects HC One

Nursing since 1982, initially working as community nurse, and later with the independent social care sector. Advocating for person led care, supported others to develop and manage their own care homes and developing caring cultures. Transferred skills role as a Registered Home Manager, to work as a senior nurse working on specific projects with HC-ONE.

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Awarded the Gold Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Award from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Chief Nurse, Deborah Sturdy. The award recognises a select number of nurses in the UK, who go above and beyond to make outstanding contributions in the field.

Experienced practitioner as a Social care nurse with a keen interest in the sectors strategic development and collaborative partnerships. Raising the profile of nurses who work in the social care sector has always been of paramount importance.

Foundation of Nursing Studies Alumni and inspire improvements Fellow. Pilot home for The Teaching Care Home project.

Co-Chair for the North West Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils (SCNAC).

Interested in creative ways of working, innovation and supporting all in realising ambition, be it colleagues or those who use our nurse led services.

Michelle Raddings RN, BSc (Hons), Cert.Ed

Michelle Raddings RN, BSc (Hons), Cert.Ed

Michelle Raddings (Registered Nurse-Adult) is the Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care (IHSC), for Yorkshire & the Humber region at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Her role includes supporting nursing members working outside of the NHS in IHSC settings, including social care providers, and working with nursing members and employers to inform, influence and lead in developing excellence in IHSC within the RCN

Nichola Greenwood

Locality Manager & Regional Nursing Work-stream Link

Nichola Greenwood is a Locality Manager with Skills for Care. As part of her portfolio she is the nursing workstream and delegated healthcare activities link for the region.

As an SCNAC Council Member, Nichola brings her extensive experience in developing new roles, workforce planning, preceptorship, training and development and international recruitment.

Nichola is passionate about ensuring social care nursing is valued as much as nursing in other parts of the health and social care system

Sarah Fiori

RN (Adult), Dip HE, BSc (Hons), PGCert ED, Doctor of Science (HC)

Head of Quality Improvement (YHCP)/ Principal Nurse (NYC) - Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership

Sarah Fiori qualified in 1997 and has held a variety of nursing posts in acute and community settings. Sarah worked as a Research Sister for academic and commercial trials and spent time delivering education before specialising in Tissue Viability, moving into Patient Safety and Quality and for the past 7 years specialising in social care.

Sarah is passionate about Quality Improvement in health and social care and is a Q Fellow with the Health Foundation and Improvement Fellow with the Improvement Academy based in Yorkshire. Sarah is also proud to be a Queens Nurse and values her nursing role supporting social care colleagues to deliver high quality, safe and effective care. In July 2023 Sarah received the Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Gold Award and in November 2024 an honorary doctorate; Doctor of Science from the University of York St John.

In her current role Sarah collaborates to shape, develop and share best practice for the benefit of individuals care experience. Sarah leads a team who work across organisations supporting quality assurance, safety, facilitating research and quality improvement. The York Health Care Partnership, Nursing & Quality team have several awards, recognising their quality Improvement work including the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2019 and Nursing Times Awards 2019, 2020 with two in 2023. The Quality Team is truly Integrated consisting of quality assurance officers, quality support officers, service managers and quality improvement officers from North Yorkshire Council alongside the nursing team. The Quality team were awarded a Chief Nursing Officer, Adult Social Care Team award in 2024, recognising the impact of their work. The entire team work with care providers in a joined up approach, across the whole NYC geography supporting the care market, staff and residents. The nursing team offer also extends across the City of York patch and extends into parts of the East Riding.

Cathy Winfield, MBE

Executive Chief Nurse, South Yorkshire ICB

Cathy is a Registered Nurse (Adults) with a career spanning 35 years in the NHS. Cathy in a Haematology & Oncology Nurse from a clinical background and has worked in a number of Large Teaching Hospitals and now within an ICB since their inception.

Cathy has undertaken several leadership roles during that time including bringing together teams following Trust mergers and leading a large multi-site Trust through the Covid Pandemic. Cathy also spent a year on part-time secondment as Chief Nurse Fellow to the Chief Nursing Officer for England, Dame Ruth May, which was focused on supporting the developing CNO plan for research.

The ICB Chief Nurse role offers Cathy the opportunity to influence change across system and organisational boundaries to focus on the broader challenges that population health and social inequalities brings to families. As the Executive lead for All age Safeguarding, CHC, Children and Young People, SEND, Maternity and Womens Health as well as Quality and Safety it brings an opportunity to put people at the focus across the life span.

Prior to taking up this role in May 2022 Cathy spent 13 years as Chief Nurse at University Hospitals of Derby and more latterly Derby and Burton. Cathy is passionate about equality and leading through others and is currently in her 2nd year as Visiting Professor at the University of Derby.

Cathy was awarded an MBE in November 2021 for her services to nursing.

Leanne Hume

Lead Nurse Independent Health and Social Care Northern Region

Leanne Hume (RGN, GPN, QN) is a dedicated nursing leader and advocate for the nursing profession across the Independent Health and Social Care (IHSC) sectors. As an SCNAC Council Member, Leanne brings her extensive experience in primary care and her commitment to improving professional standards. She is also a Lead Nurse at the Royal College of Nursing for IHSC in Northern England. Leanne is passionate about empowering nurses, promoting equity in healthcare, and ensuring sustainable workforce solutions within the sector.

Julie Clennell

Joint Regional Chief Nurse (Interim) NHS England North East and Yorkshire

I have worked in both the NHS and Higher Education for 38 years as a clinician, academic and senior leader with posts spanning primary and secondary care as well as the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

I am registered with the NMC as an adult nurse, district nurse, prescriber and teacher.

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I have worked in both the NHS and Higher Education for 38 years as a clinician, academic and senior leader with posts spanning primary and secondary care as well as the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

I am registered with the NMC as an adult nurse, district nurse, prescriber and teacher.

Prior to joining NHS England, I was Executive Director of Nursing, AHPs and Quality in Local Health & Wellbeing. In this role I was part of a unitary board accountable for professional standards and development, clinical quality, safeguarding adults and children, and clinical governance across the organisation. In addition, I assumed the roles of Caldicott Guardian, Director of Infection Prevention and Control and had managerial oversight of the Medical Adviser to the Board.

I have also held Associate Director roles in Risk and Clinical Governance, Nursing, and Professional Development as well as senior positions at Teesside University in the School of Health and Social Care.

In addition, I am a Queens Nurse, NMC Fitness to Practice Committee Member, Editorial Board Member for British Journal of Community Nursing as well as a leadership mentor.

However, and most importantly I am a mother, daughter, partner and friend to some incredible individuals who fuel my unwavering passion for the delivery of high quality health and social care and without whom I would not be able to continue to strive to improve individual, family and population health care experiences through the development of individuals, teams, organisations and systems.