Nadra Ahmed CBE,
Chair, National Care Association
Nadra has been Chairman of NCA since 2001. She has been involved in the field of social care for over 40 years and until 2005 was the Registered Manager
of two private care homes for older people, having developed and run services since 1981 which included a homecare service.
Nadra has served on numerous government taskforces and continues to do so. Through Covid she became recognised as the respected voice of social care. Nadra has served as the Vice Chairman of Skills for Care for 11 years having been appointed at its inception: she was also a trustee of Parkinson’s UK and continues to support various charities as a trustee/patron or president, despite her tight schedule; these include the veterans charity RBLI and a small disabilities charity Spadeworks.
James Allen,
Chief Executive, National Care Group
Under James’ visionary leadership, National Care Group (NCG) has bolstered its reputation as a significant force within the adult social care sector this year. As well as winning a leading award, the successful execution of the 2023/24 growth strategy resulted in the launch of five new supported living schemes for young adults with complex needs, alongside the expansion and refurbishment of other NCG services across various regions in England and Wales.
James’ experience and expertise have been instrumental in building a culture of wellbeing at NCG, benefiting its 2,800 dedicated colleagues across more than 250 settings. The organisation has also gained recent media attention for the launch of its new CSR strategy and recycling initiatives, working towards unlocking a brighter future for everyone involved with NCG.
Dan Archer
Chief Executive, Visiting Angels
In 2017, Dan Archer founded Visiting Angels from his dining room table, pioneering the term carer-centric and setting out to transform how carers are valued. His mission is to change perceptions, ensuring carers feel appreciated through fair pay, benefits, recognition, and support. As VA’s UK CEO and an industry expert, Dan has become a respected voice in care; delivering TED Talks, lobbying government, speaking to the media, and joining major panels. From the start, he built VA around carers, focusing on their wellbeing and career development. By 2030, his goal is to make VA the UK care sector’s Employer of Choice.
Gillian Ashcroft
Chief Executive, Exceptional Care
Gillian Ashcroft is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, and business leader whose purpose-driven career spans social care, training, and community impact.
From her Liverpool roots, she built numerous self-funded businesses before founding Exceptional Care in 2014, now with ten therapeutic homes and growing. She also created Think Tank Training to equip care professionals and Succeed Charity, a digital platform supporting care-experienced youth. A global keynote speaker, Gill chairs Succeed, the G100 Women’s Leadership Forum, and serves on Edge Hill University’s advisory board. Guided by PRIDE values, she champions collaboration to transform lives and communities.
Angela Boxall
Chief Executive, Majesticare
Angela is widely respected as one of the most forward-thinking leaders in the social care sector and is known for her ability to bring smiles and positivity wherever she goes. Having developed her career through the ranks, she is now CEO of Majesticare, a leading luxury care home group recognised for its people-first culture, inspiring environments, and innovative use of technology.
In 2023, Angela was appointed Chair of Care England and also serves as a Director of Championing Social Care, where she continues to shape the future of the sector. Passionate about changing perceptions and encouraging younger generations into social care, she has hosted and chaired sector-wide events, supported major charity fundraisers, and is an ambassador for Access Social Care.
Lara Bywater
Chief Executive, LDC Care
I feel incredibly proud to have dedicated the past 26 years to growing LDC Care Company, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting innovation and excellence in adult social care. Alongside my role at LDC, I serve as a Director of The Outstanding Society, where I work with colleagues across the sector to share best practice and raise standards, and I remain actively involved in the Kent Integrated Care Alliance (KICA) to ensure providers’ voices are heard.
Most recently, I was deeply honoured to receive the Chief Nursing Officer for Adult Social Care’s Gold Award for Outstanding Services to Social Care. This recognition reflects not just my journey, but the dedication and passion of everyone I’ve worked alongside throughout my career.
Lucy Campbell
Chief Executive, Right at Home UK
Lucy Campbell, CEO of award-winning Right at Home UK has experience of both franchising and senior level business management. Her innovative business growth through strategic vision and transformative leadership has earned her the trust and respect from her peers in the wider health and social care sector.
Adept at fostering high-performance teams she believes that quality is at the heart of everything. She is a strong advocate for innovation, with industry expertise and forward-thinking insights leading with compassion through complex, unprecedented changes. Lucy is passionate about driving organisational success and making a positive impact in the care sector.
Sarah Clarke-Kuehn
Chief Operating Officer – Commercial, Sanctuary
As Chief Operating Officer – Commercial, Sarah Clarke-Kuehn oversees a portfolio of operations on behalf of Sanctuary Group, including Sanctuary Care, Sanctuary Supported Living, and Sanctuary Students. Sarah joined Sanctuary in 2011 as Head of Finance – Housing and Communities and since then has undertaken a number of roles including Director of Housing Operations, Commercial Services Director, Operations Director for Sanctuary Supported Living, and Group Director – Care.
Sarah is a qualified management accountant with varied experience in commercial, customer-focused environments within multinational PLCs and not-for-profit cultures. She started her career at London International Group (FMCG) and progressed from manufacturing into the service sector with RWE npower. Sarah is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Care Forum (NCF).
Samantha Crawley
Chief Executive, EQ Care Group
Samantha is the CEO of the new and innovative EQ Care Group, which has built and opened 5 new care homes over the past 2 years. This care group is built on Emotional Intelligence through the veins of all that we are and all that we do. Samantha leads the team with passion and heart and sees her role as a CEO who ensures that the people, looking after the people, are well and are listened to. Leading from a place of vulnerability with strength enables the teams she leads to do the same; being real is the cornerstone. Samantha believes everyone, including her, makes mistakes – the value is in what we do about them. Having opened newly built homes, one of these homes has recently had its first CQC inspection and achieved Outstanding. Another of these homes has achieved Excellent across all areas of a PAMM’s inspection.
Director of Leadership & Wellbeing at The Outstanding Society and a Master Practitioner in NLP. Samantha was awarded the Chief Nurse Social Care Award for people who go above & beyond in their roles; Samantha is truly dedicated to the social care sector. In addition to this, Samantha was awarded the Social Care Leadership award in 2023 and the WAGs Businesswoman of the Year award in the Leading Women in Care Awards in 2024, as well as the Leaders in Care Exec of the Year awards, in 2024, as well as being named in the Social Care Top 30 for 2024 and the Health Investor Power List 2024.
Amrit Dhaliwal
Chief Executive, Walfinch
Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO of growing home care provider Walfinch, voted second in the Social Care Top 30 2024 brings together his commitment to franchising and care with a focus on delivering enhanced quality of service across the UK to a growing network of franchised home-based care offices across the UK, transforming lives every day. Amrit is the author of Time to Thrive the Home Care Revolution and a business ambassador for The Royal Osteoporosis Society and a Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP).
Gary Fee
Chief Executive, CCH Group
A new face in the sector but already making an undeniable impact, Gary Fee is a champion of care and the people who deliver it. As CEO of CCH Group, the UK’s largest homecare provider, he is using scale as a force for positive change by driving a people-first culture that restores pride in the profession and rewriting the narrative of social care from a support service to a cornerstone of national infrastructure.
Solution-focused and forward-looking, Gary has also been a strong voice in calling for care to be recognised at the highest levels of national policy, ensuring the sector has a seat at the table alongside the NHS.
Karolina Gerlich
Chief Executive, The Care Workers Charity
Karolina Gerlich, as CEO of The Care Workers’ Charity, is a relentless advocate for the rights and well-being of care workers. With over 12 years of firsthand experience as a care worker and more than 8 years dedicated to advocacy in the field, Karolina tirelessly works for the recognition of care workers as skilled professionals and ensures they receive the support they deserve.
Her steadfast commitment embodies a dedication to improving the lives of those who care for others. Serving on multiple advisory boards and holding a position on the Leadership Board for the Impact Centre, Karolina continues to lead the charge for positive change within the care sector, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.
David Glover
Chief Executive, Caremark Limited
David Glover, Joint CEO of Caremark Limited, combines his law and franchising expertise to deliver results.
As one of the top franchise solicitors in the UK, David transitioned into franchising with Subway, developing the brand across the South-East, and achieving the highest sales of a restaurant in Europe.
Now, with Caremark, David is dedicated to improving the lives of thousands via providing exceptional homecare across the UK.
His innovative approach, coupled with a desire for continual improvement, has resulted in Caremark reaching record results in the company’s 20-year history. David’s vision and strategic foresight, mark him as a truly exceptional leader.
Shaleeza Hasham
Commercial Director, CHD Living
Shaleeza Hasham is the Commercial Director of CHD Living and the Founder and CEO of Adopt a Grandparent. With over 15 years of leadership, she has been instrumental in driving innovation and excellence in the social care sector. Shaleeza’s dedication extends beyond her role at CHD Living; her passion for combating loneliness among older adults through Adopt a Grandparent has garnered global recognition. An award-winning leader, she is also an ambassador for Championing Social Care and a Director at Spectrum Care Ltd, a buying consortium that offers information, support and networking opportunities for those working in the care industry. Shaleeza’s commitment to enhancing lives through compassionate care and innovative approaches continues to shape the future of social care.
Joanne Henney
Chief Executive, Nugent
Jo, Chief Executive of Nugent, has a strong track record of delivering impact in the charitable and social care sectors. Recognised for her commitment to improving lives across the Liverpool City Region, she has received: Trusted Executive of the Year Award 2023, CEO Award Downtown in Business Awards 2024, Community Leader Award Merseyside Woman of the Year Awards 2024 Ranked in the Top 10 nationally, #1 regional CEO and #2 female leader in the Social Care Top 30 in 2024. Other roles:Chair of Trustees – Emmaus Merseyside, Member of Board of Trustees – Emmaus UK, Chair of Governor’s – Wirral Metropolitan College, Member of Professional Liverpool Charity Advisory Board, Jo is a foster carer having supported seven children to date.
Kevin Humphrys
Chief Executive, Oakland Care Group
Kevin Humphrys is the CEO of Oakland Care Group and brings over 15 years of senior leadership expertise in social care. A passionate advocate of person-centred care, he has led a culture of excellence, prioritising innovation, staff wellbeing, sustainability, and safe, high-quality care. Under his leadership, Oakland Care Group has strengthened governance, invested in people, and delivered outstanding resident outcomes. Kevin contributes as a Director of West Sussex Partners in Care and speaks regularly at national sector events. Recognised for his leadership, Kevin was a finalist in the Social Care Top 30 Leadership Awards in 2023 and 2024.
Martin Jones
Chief Executive, Home Instead
Martin’s role with Home Instead and his non-executive and Trustee roles (Chair of The Care Workers’ Charity; member of the Age UK and Homecare Association Boards; Chair of Home Instead Charities) place him in a unique position to understand the issues facing the social care sector and to campaign for change.
He has a particular interest in the integration of health and social care and the role our homes will play as the hospitals of the future. Martin is also an advocate of the need to professionalise care work.
Martin was awarded an MBE for services to older people.
Jim Kane
Chief Executive, Community Integrated Care
Jim Kane is Chief Executive Officer at the national social care charity, Community Integrated Care. The charity works in the community, supporting over 2,500 people with a range of care needs and employs over 6,000 colleagues. Jim joined Community Integrated Care in December 2019, as Chief Financial Officer, before stepping into the CEO position in January 2023. A passionate advocate for the sector, Jim is a visible and trusted voice in the national conversation on social care – championing the workforce, calling for urgent reform and shining a light on the need for long-term, sustainable funding.
Andrea Kinkade
Chief Executive, Lifeways Group
Andrea Kinkade is a dynamic transformation leader who specialises in revolutionising healthcare organisations. With thirteen years of impactful leadership across learning disability services, complex homecare, and neuro rehabilitation, she has consistently delivered exciting operational improvements and sustainable growth. Since joining Lifeways as Chief Executive in 2022, Andrea has spearheaded an ambitious transformation programme, fundamentally reshaping quality standards, organisational culture, and service delivery. Her innovative leadership centres on unleashing employee potential, recognising that empowered, engaged teams are the catalyst for exceptional care and support. Under her leadership, Lifeways has re-emerged as a growing, forward-thinking care and support organisation.
Rob Martin
Managing Director of Care Services, Anchor
Rob joined Anchor in October 2013 as a member of the senior leadership team and was subsequently appointed to the Executive team in February 2021. He is responsible for all registered care services and is the “Nominated Individual” with the Care Quality Commission.
Rob has worked in social care since 2001, one of his first roles being a Registered Manager in the North-West of England. Before that, Rob served in the Armed Forces for almost seven years, where he developed many of the skills that he continues to apply today.
He has also gained 7 years board experience as a non-executive director, is currently a Board Member with the National Care Forum, an Ambassador for Championing Social Care, and the winner of the most influential leader in Social Care by Care Talk Magazine.
Announced earlier in the year, Rob will join Signature Senior Lifestyle as their CEO in November.
Jenny Pattinson
Chief Executive, Nightingale Hammerson
Jenny is the Chief Executive of Nightingale Hammerson, a Charity that provides outstanding Residential, Nursing, Dementia and end of life care to around 250 older people across their Nursing Homes in London. With 17 years’ leadership experience in Adult Social Care, 11 of which were at a senior level with the Care Quality Commission, Jenny is passionate about ensuring every person living in Care Homes experience the best quality of life possible.
In her personal life Jenny dedicates her time and energy to ensuring the voices of vulnerable people are heard at a local level. She is an elected Councillor, responsible for the Housing and Well-being Portfolio. She chairs the steering group for Dementia Friendly Watford, Aging Well Watford and the Health and Well-Being Forum, and has been instrumental in seeing Watford recognised as an Ageing Well community by the World Health organisation.
Rachel Peacock
Chief Executive, Making Space
Rachel has always worked in the voluntary sector, beginning as a youth worker to her current role as CEO of national social care charity, Making Space, building her career on fairness, inclusivity, and person-centred care. She is a passionate advocate for co-production, ensuring people have real choice in shaping their lives. Rachel led the development of Making Space core values in 2017, embedding “kind hearts” at the heart of culture and practice. Innovation and collaboration have been central to her leadership, from pioneering new models of care to championing environments where colleagues and supported individuals thrive. Rachel believes that when people feel valued and empowered, real change becomes possible.
Virginia Perkins
Chief Executive, Hesley Group
Virginia Perkins was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Hesley Group in August 2024, a specialist provider for adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. Aiming to build on its strengths in supported living, transitional education and person-centred care. With a career spanning 30 years of multifaceted experience across health, social care and education, she holds a deep commitment to fostering supportive high-performing environments. Dedicating much of her career to enhancing organisational culture and business performance, whilst making a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the UK, including adults, children and young people.
Ian Pritchard
Chief Executive, Alternative Futures Group
Ian Pritchard brings more than three decades of experience in health and social care and is widely recognised as an innovative, strategic, and commercially astute leader.
Since becoming Chief Executive of the Northwest charity Alternative Futures Group (AFG) in 2019, Ian has led a successful turnaround strategy alongside his executive team -strengthening workforce engagement, raising service quality and restoring the organisation to consistent, sustainable surplus.
This has enabled AFG to reinvest significantly in pay for its workforce, service development, quality enhancements and assistive technology to improve the lives of the people it supports.
Vic Rayner
Chief Executive, National Care Forum
Professor Vic Rayner OBE is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Care Forum, joining the organisation in 2016. As CEO she chairs the National Social Care Advisory Group on social care and technology and has been at the forefront of promoting digital transformation across care. She sits on a range
of government and national specialist groups with a focus on the social care workforce, digital transformation, new models of care and regulation. She was also appointed to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee’s Expert Panel and is the former Chair of the working group of the APPG on adult social care. Vic is a regular national and international speaker and has extensive knowledge and expertise across a wide range of care, support, housing and social policy agendas. Prior to joining the NCF, she was the CEO of Sitra, a leading national membership body championing excellence in housing, health, care and support.
Jeremy Richardson
Chief Executive, Avery Healthcare
Jeremy Richardson is Chief Executive Officer of Avery Healthcare Group, one of the UK’s leading care home operators with over 100 services nationwide. With senior leadership experience spanning Runwood Homes, Brighterkind and Four Seasons Health Care, Jeremy brings a proven track record of driving innovation, cultural change, and operational excellence in the social care sector. Since joining Avery in September 2024, Jeremy has focused on strengthening the organisation’s foundations through collaboration, empowerment, and care excellence. His leadership is underpinned by a deep commitment to improving resident quality of life, supporting colleagues, and ensuring Avery remains at the forefront of outstanding care.
Neil Russell
Chairman, PJ Care
Neil has been with PJ Care since it’s inception 25 years ago and has played a major role in its growth into one of the most important neurological care providers in the country. Neil has always believed that providing the best care means caring for everyone, whether they are service users, families, commissioners or staff. If you want the best from someone you have to treat them the best and by enabling his team to grow and develop and giving them the tools they need they have been able to provide the best quality care.
Jake Thompson
Operations Director, Bondcare Group
James Tugendhat
Chief Executive, HC-One
James is CEO of HC-One, the UK’s largest care home provider, with 280 homes. Before HC-One, James worked across a range of sectors, starting in consumer and financial services before holding leadership roles in healthcare. He spent many years with Bupa, including as CEO of Health Dialog, a US-based health analytics and chronic disease management business, in which Bupa was an early investor, before leading the European and International division of Boston-based Bright Horizons. James served as a Non-Executive Director of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust for seven years and is Non-Executive Chair of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.
Steve Veevers
Chief Executive, HFT
Steve Veevers is the Chief Executive Officer of Hft, the Learning Disability Allies, starting with them in 2023. He has an expansive history, starting back
in the mid 90’s as a care and support worker and has a varied career in not for profit and local government social care organisations. He has a flair for creating magic out of mayhem and the trait of being able to shepherd most things to where they need to get to in his professional and personal life, apart from his actual small flock of rare breed sheep.
His career has been notable for his work on transformation and modernisation of learning disability delivery, with a particular flair of deep rooted involvement and elevation of the people supported in leading that transformation and mindset change of the professional workforce. With two family members with a learning disability that draw upon care and support, getting the care system right is a mission for Steve, that cannot be failed.