Brunelcare bids farewell to Chief Executive after six years

On Thursday 30th April we bade farewell to our Chief Executive Oona Goldsworthy, who has stepped down after six and a half influential years leading the organisation. 

Oona has guided the charity through challenging times since her appointment in 2019, including the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living and energy bills crisis. During her time at Brunelcare, she has focused on developing and delivering our strategy up to 2030 to reflect what matters most to our customers, and has improved pay and benefits for the charity’s 1,100 colleagues. 

Oona was celebrated at a leaving party on the day, where colleagues came together to say goodbye to Oona and share stories of how her leadership has impacted their time at Brunelcare. 

In her farewell message to colleagues, Oona said: “I have been so lucky to work alongside such fantastic teams and colleagues and together we have achieved so much. This has included some very difficult times and it has been an honour to work alongside a very special group of people. 

“I don’t think I’ve had a week when I haven’t learnt something new and I’m proud of the work that our colleagues do, I feel their joy and the dedication, and a bit of fun too.” 

Graham Russell, Brunelcare’s Chair of Trustees, said of Oona’s time at Brunelcare:“Oona has steered the charity through the Covid-19 pandemic, the energy bills crisis and the continued pressures faced by all care and housing providers with energy, resilience, and good humour.  

She has also been a fierce advocate for the housing and social care sectors, and all those working within them, across our region and at a national level. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Oona for all that she has done for Brunelcare.” 

Starting 5 May 2026, Sonia Furzland will succeed Oona as the organisation’s new Interim Chief Executive Officer and will continue in the role until a new permanent Chief Executive Officer is appointed.