Bio

Currently Chief Operating Officer at a large housing association, Torus (NW based includes Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington, responsible for 38,000 properties, the maintenance & construction organisation (HMS) and the social entrepreneur company called Torus Foundation. Executive Director for 11 years in large not-for-profit organisations, providing housing, care and support to a range of vulnerable groups. Including but not exclusive to, brain injury and older people, Autism (children and adults) LD and mental health. Currently responsible for driving and delivering culture change through the recent amalgamation of the organisation. My focus is to grow specialist housing (Extra Care & Supported Housing) to meet local need, to become the contractor of choice on specific sectors in supported housing, and to improve the lives of people living in our communities through high impact activity in health & wellbeing, increasing employment and improving financial and digital inclusion. More recent work involved growing supported housing and extra care. Worked alongside small, specialist RSL's to capacity build, support with compliance, housing regulator and deliver growth strategies. Relish building strong relationships with commissioners, housing partners, investors and care and support providers. Reputation as someone who innovates to meet housing and care demand. Passion for improving living environments for vulnerable people. This has ranged from building innovative, award winning large dementia services to smaller, specialist supported living services for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health. My simple test…'would I live here?’. Hold an MBA (with Distinction) in Business Administration. In 2015, won “Care Entrepreneur of the Year” and National Care Leader in the GB Care Awards. Previous roles include Deputy Chief Executive for 5 years at Community Integrated Care a £114m t/o care and support charity. Was responsible for 5,000 staff across multi-site led and delivered a new strategy, large transformation programme and growth over 5 years of £20m + Specialist in strategy, marketing/Comms, leadership of transformation. Previously Director of Strategy & Business Development at Disabilities Trust. Strong track record in delivering growth and transforming poorly performing organisations. Particular expertise and experience as a keynote speaker plus committed to building strong partnerships with commissioners in health and in social care.