I joined Darwin Place, part of Swanton Care and Community, in May 2026 as Service Manager.
I am an experienced health and social care professional with more than 20 years of experience supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and epilepsy. I hold a Level 5 qualification in Health and Social Care and began my career as a Support Worker, progressing through senior roles before becoming a Registered Manager in 2019.
Throughout my career, I have remained passionate about delivering person-centred support that promotes independence, choice and positive outcomes. I have successfully supported services to achieve Good CQC ratings, mentored new Registered Managers and helped establish a new service, creating a positive and supportive environment for both the people we support and colleagues.
In recognition of my dedication and achievements within the sector, I was proud to receive a Service of the Year award in 2023.
As Service Manager at Darwin Place, I am committed to maintaining high standards of care, supporting colleague development and ensuring the people we support remain at the heart of everything we do. I am excited to be part of the Swanton team and look forward to the journey ahead.
I have worked in the Health and Social Care sector for nearly 25 years, building my career across a range of regions including the North East, the Midlands and the South. Throughout this time, I have primarily supported individuals with autism, learning disabilities and mental health conditions, alongside people with a range of other needs.
My career has always been driven by a commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred care, supporting people to live as independently as possible and to have real choice and control over their lives. I have also always seen myself as a strong team player, offering support, guidance and encouragement to colleagues — values that have stayed with me since my early days as a Support Worker.
I hold a Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management and have previously worked as a trainer in Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). I have also held Nominated Individual status and have worked in a wide range of operational roles, giving me a broad understanding of service delivery and leadership within care.
Over the years, I have been proud to contribute to positive quality outcomes, service development and growth, helping to create high-quality homes where people feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive.
I lead with a strong belief in giving people the best lives possible and ensuring everyone has a voice that is heard and respected. This is something I am deeply passionate about and look forward to continuing as part of my journey with Swanton Care.
Chief Executive Officer Gary Thompson is the Responsible Individual for Darwin Place. To find out more, visit our Meet The Team page.
The Swanton Ethos is a huge part of everyday life at Darwin Place, we pride ourselves on providing a person-centred approach, quality care and meaningful engagement. At Darwin Place - Swanton Care, we believe in inclusivity, opportunity, and choice; working hard to build a good community presence. The people we support regularly visit the local amenities in the town but also enjoy taking a walk in the local nature parks.
We have good relationships with our authorities and are rated ‘GOOD’ in all areas from CQC.
Our last inspection referred to conversations they had with relativities: ‘All staff are brilliant; I couldn’t be happier, I really can’t think of anything they could do better’.
A person living at Darwin had said: ‘The staff are really great. I am happy here.”
CQC also recorded in their summary that ‘staff understood the importance of ensuring people’s rights were understood and protected, also that people living at Darwin had maximum choice and control of their own lives.’
