Our senior leadership team

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.

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 joined Brunelcare when she was 21.  She was appointed as the manager of Colliers Gardens extra care scheme in 2008, moving on to the community division and managing Bristol and South Gloucestershire services, and was appointed Director of Community Services in 2015.  She has worked in a variety of settings including care homes, extra care and as a care recruitment consultant in Bristol before joining Brunelcare.

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.

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.

Matthew joined Brunelcare in 2018 to head up the charity’s marketing, communications and business development activities. A CIM and CIPR qualified communications professional with over 15 years’ experience in the third sector, Matthew was, until joining Brunelcare, Head of Marketing and Communications at St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol. He is passionate about raising awareness of the impact local charities like Brunelcare can have. Matthew is also a trustee of Somerset Wildlife Trust. Matthew was appointed Marketing and Business Development Director in July 2019.

Chris is a Chartered Accountant with over 30-years of experience in the finance sector and nearly 20-years of experience working in the care and support sector. This includes working as Financial Controller, progressing to Finance Director at Somerset Care and more recently as Finance Director then Chief Executive at Coverage Care. Both organisations are Not for Profit National Care Forum (NCF) members, providing care and support services including some extra care schemes.

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.