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Senior leadership team

Our Senior Leadership Team is responsible for implementing Brunelcare’s strategy and day-to-day management of the charity.

Chief Executive Oona Goldsworthy

Oona Goldsworthy: Chief Executive

Appointed 14th October 2019

Oona joined us as Chief Executive in October 2019 having been CEO at United Communities housing association in Bristol for 16 years. During that time United Communities became known for its entrepreneurial approach, including ethical market rent funded by a social investment fund, modular homes and co housing.

Oona is passionate about improving the choices for the older members of our community to be able to live in safe, good quality homes with brilliant care. Oona is also a Board member of Bristol Hospitality Network for Refugees and in 2017 she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to research global approaches to housing millennials, which includes intergenerational housing.

Company Secretary & Head of Corporate Governance, Mandy Collins.

Mandy Collins: Company Secretary and Head of Corporate Governance

Appointed 16th September 2019

Mandy is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Internal Auditors and CIA, QIAL and SIRM systems and risk management professional with over 35 years experience in the public and private sector. Mandy joined Brunelcare in 2019 to support the Board to develop and embed strengthened corporate governance arrangements. Mandy has worked as a policy lead, regulator, auditor and investigator and is extremely proud to be working for Brunelcare.

Sandra Payne MBE: Director of Nursing & Care Services

Appointed 17th July 2019

Trained at the Bath School of Nursing, qualifying in 1986. Worked in acute medical admission wards at the RUH, medical cardiology at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and as a District Nurse in South Bristol. Joined Brunelcare in 1993 as a Registered Nurse at Robinson House, initially in a bank nurse role whilst raising two daughters! Became a Senior Registered Nurse and completed further studies at King Alfred’s, Winchester, then progressed through to Deputy Care Home Manager, Care Home Manager and Head of Clinical Excellence for the charity. Has led initiatives in End of Life Care and Falls Management and is also the Safeguarding Lead for the Charity. Sandra was appointed Care Homes Director in July 2019. In recognition for services to social care during the Covid-19 pandemic, Sandra was awarded an MBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Brian Whittaker: Human Resources & Organisational Development Director

Appointed 24th April 2018

Brian joined Brunelcare in February 2018. Previously he was the Group HR Director of The Aster Group, a social landlord and care and support provider based in Wiltshire. He has extensive experience within human resources including several years as the Employee Relations Manager for Forte Hotels. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Outside work he is a football referee, an enthusiastic cook and a reticent house renovator.

Michelle Richards: Housing and Property Director

Appointed 4th November 2018

Michelle began her career with Brunelcare in 1999, starting as a care assistant within one of the care homes. She was appointed as a care home manager before moving to Brunelcare’s housing division and managing the support services. Michelle was appointed as Brunelcare’s Housing and Property Director in 2018. She has a Level 5 Diploma in Housing with the Chartered Institute of Housing and is a chartered member of the institute.

John Rew: Director of Finance & IT

Appointed 20th March 2023

John joined Brunelcare in March 2023 after five years of working as Director of Finance and Support Services at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. As a Fellow Chartered Accountant, he has a wealth of experience and knowledge in senior finance positions in charities and commercial organisations, including St Joseph’s Hospice, The Fairtrade Foundation and Christian Aid.