Our Leadership

As a Senior Operations Manager, I am responsible for the overall management of our supported living services in the West of Scotland, with various lead responsibilities for key business areas.

I began working in third sector social care organisations as a support worker in 2002, shortly after moving to Glasgow from England.

Since then, I have worked in various roles, working in and developing new and existing services for all kinds of people.

It matters to me what sort of organisation I work for – and I was delighted to join Carr Gomm in August 2013 as Operations Manager, becoming Senior Operations manager in July 2014.

I’m also very keen to make sure that people can see social care as a brilliant career, and to ensure that we support people in the best way we can. When we do this, we make a huge difference.

Carr Gomm is a great environment to work in. We encourage an open culture where employees can bring new ideas and test new ways of working. I was really pleased to discover this when I first joined the organisation.

Away from work, I like spending time with my family, reading and running.

Anyone who has been to my house for dinner would tell you that I love Indian food – it seems to be all I cook!

For as long as I can remember, I have had a clear commitment to social justice. In terms of my career, this was first reflected in the 1980s through my work with Edinburgh & Lothian Women’s Aid; first as an unpaid worker and then as a paid member of the collective.

Since then, I have worked with a range of third sector organisations whose mission I believe in, and for some years now, I have found a happy fit with my values in my work at Carr Gomm.

Heading up the Community Development Team, I have a key role in driving forward Carr Gomm’s commitment to practice innovation. With qualifications in social work, leadership and management, I bring theoretical understanding to the role to inform my direct work experience.

As someone who loves living in Edinburgh but has strong family history with the Highlands and Islands (for a short time, my first and only language was Gaelic), I enjoy travelling throughout Scotland and like the fact that my national role within the organisation means I can travel for work as well as pleasure.

Outwith work, I have learned the fine art of compromise as a Hibs fan and cat person, living with a Hearts fan and dog person. I delight in discussion, laughing, music and dancing while socialising with friends, as well as travelling widely when on holiday.

I joined Carr Gomm in November 2018 as a senior operations manager responsible for Finance.

I am a qualified accountant and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

My motivation to come to work is having a varied role which enables me to make a contribution to others.

In my short time with Carr Gomm the highlight has been the budget process; this has accelerated my learning of the business and enabled me to get to know some of the many great people that make Carr Gomm.

Prior to joining Carr Gomm I have worked in senior finance roles within professional services, financial services and the motor industry. I have managed a wide range of teams and influenced a number of projects which have delivered effective business improvements.

Recent work achievements include reducing staff turnover from 75% per annum to 18% per annum, creating a detailed skills matrix to enable tasks to be allocated quickly and efficiently and streamlining processes which delivered a five figure £ cost saving in one cost line.

When not working, I enjoy yoga, travel, cinema, music and spending time with my family.

I joined Carr Gomm in Jan 2024 as the Senior Operations Manager for rural services across Argyll and Bute and the Highlands.

My career in social care, which started in 1994, wasn’t intentional, rather it was planned as a stop gap whilst I awaited the start of a new term at nursing college. Fast forward to the present date, 30 years later, and that stop gap has become my lifetime career, one which I feel immensely proud of and one which continues to offer me new and exciting opportunities every day.

From my initial job as a care assistant in a local care home, part of the Youth Trainee Scheme, my career has given me the opportunity to work in a variety of roles in a number of different settings,  including statutory social work service in community care and specialist integrated learning disability services, day support and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, as a commissioner within an HSCP and over recent years leading and supporting the delivery and development of services in a Third Sector organisation.

I am very passionate about social care and of the importance of raising awareness of the difference it makes to peoples’ lives every day and of the fantastic career opportunities it offers. Working within the sector, I have met so many incredible people that have made as much of an impact on my life as I hope I have on theirs.

Having had the opportunity to work alongside Carr Gomm in other roles, I feel incredibly lucky to now be part of such a great organisation, that’s foundation is built on such strong core values.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, I’ll find any excuse to have a get together!

I started with Carr Gomm in 1998. I’m currently  Senior Operations Manager for the East of Scotland and part of our Executive Team.

My role involves developing and leading teams to deliver quality support services across the organisation to enable people to live the lives they aspire to live. I also lead our Learning and Development Strategy to ensure we have strong working environments with skilled and competent staff.

I am motivated every day by the talented and inspirational people around me who influence change and lead the way in terms of excellent service delivery, both now and into the future, across Scotland. I’m very privileged to be in the role I am currently in and love what I do!

Before starting with Carr Gomm I was a mental health nurse, then went on to become a support worker. Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym, socialising and dabbling in art and design.

I am one of the Operations Managers for the East of Scotland and I started this role in March 2020. My role involves developing, leading and managing support services in the Dundee locality. I also support four Service Managers to develop and deliver excellent services. I am highly inspired by the innovative and creative ways that our teams support people. Learning and development has always interested me and it is very rewarding to train new and existing members of staff and see them develop in their career.

My career journey into social care and development began after I graduated with a degree in Psychology in 2013; I started working as a Support Worker for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. Mental health and human development became a great interest of mine which lead me to pursue a career in adult support services. Every day I would pass by Carr Gomm’s office and it motivated me to apply for a job here. I started working with Carr Gomm in October 2014, working in a number of services across East Lothian (Cameron and Park services) and then I moved to our Edinburgh services.

My highlight of working with Carr Gomm so far was in 2019. Ben Macpherson, Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development, came to meet our staff from European countries that are based in Edinburgh which included staff at the services I managed. It was an amazing opportunity to share my working experience and the importance of recognising the value of European workers in social care.

In my time off, I play women’s rugby and American football. I also really enjoy cooking for my family and playing with my cat, Poppy. I really like detective stories and, more recently, have been reading a lot of Michael Connelly (I really like his detective stories)!

If I was stranded on an island the three things that I would take would be a surf board (I have always wanted to learn how to surf), a notebook and pen, and unlimited a supply of Skittles – I love them!

Fiona Lawrence Operations Manager for West Argyll and Bute at Carr Gomm, overseeing Care at Home and Responder services across Cowal, Mid-Argyll and the Isle of Bute.

With a strong focus on person-centred care, Fiona brings unique insight into supporting people aged 65+ in remote and rural communities, where geography, access and resilience shape service delivery.

Before joining Carr Gomm, Fiona lectured at the University of the Highlands and Islands, combining academic insight with real-world practice.

I joined Carr Gomm as a support practitioner in 2003, following a period of unemployment after returning from travelling round India

Without prior experience of support work, I enjoyed my career change. I’m now an operations manager and have also held the position of senior support worker and service manager.

I am the registered manager for 10 support services across Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, responsible for developing services, ensuring people receive a high quality of care and support. I also work with staff to achieve positive outcomes.

Whilst I no longer work immediately with people in their lives, I take great satisfaction and enjoyment from knowing the quality of service I oversee, working with managers to develop their careers, skills and staff teams.

When not working I enjoy gardening, cycling, cinema and reading. Ingemar Berman and Park Chan-wook are directors I most admire; for their story telling and sheer cinematic artistry. Herman Hesse is possibly the author whose works I have enjoyed the most, certainly in my younger years!

I have been vegetarian since 2001. I like cooking and I enjoy Indian, Middle-Eastern and Italian cuisine.

Since joining Carr Gomm in 2007, I’ve had the opportunity to move through different parts of the organisation.

I spent the first two years as a support practitioner in the Glasgow South East service, working with a great team and supporting people in very challenging circumstances. I really enjoyed this role as I was able to work with people directly to improve their quality of life.

I was then an acting senior for a short period before joining the business development team as a projects officer. This was a great step for me as I was able to see how support works across the organisation and how Carr Gomm runs as a national organisation.

After this, I returned to Glasgow and managed the North West service for a period, before becoming an acting operations manager. Now, I support managers and services across Glasgow and Stirling.

I feel very privileged to do the job I do. I see the fantastic, sometimes very challenging work that people carry out every day despite their own difficulties and the great outcomes this achieves.

In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family, watch movies, read and exercise.

I started with Carr Gomm in 2012 and am currently the Operations Manager for our Highland services. My main responsibilities are overseeing the Service Managers in the locality to deliver exceptional support standards. Making a difference to the people we support and being there for people when they need us has always been a big motivation of mine, and it is what drives me to come to work every day.

I originally joined Carr Gomm as a support worker. I have worked very hard, as all support staff does, and I was fortunate to progress to the position that I am in today, which makes me very proud. It has been one of my highlights at Carr Gomm, and I am happy to have been placed in a position where I can influence decisions and continue to make a difference.

Outside of work, I love fitness-related activities like running, and I usually take part in a wide range of fitness classes. I also enjoy spending some time with my family. My main inspiration is my husband–he has always supported me and pushed me to do my best in every possible way.

I’ve been with Carr Gomm since 2003. Before joining, I supported people from the Royal Blind School to achieve independent living in the community. I’ve held a number of roles within the organisation; I was quickly promoted to a senior before taking on the position of manager.

Two years ago, I became operations manager. I am now responsible for developing and maintaining links with commissioners and the Care Inspectorate as well as contributing to the strategic management of Carr Gomm.

I also provide leadership and support for our service managers to assist them to carry out their responsibilities in managing teams.

Another aspect of my role involves ensuring that the Quality Assurance system is in place and I monitor the effectiveness of the service in line with Carr Gomm’s values and standards, ensuring that people are supported in being involved.

I’m motivated to come to work every day knowing that I am contributing to staff development, helping them learn new things and reach their full potential. This enables them to carry out their responsibilities effectively, which brings about a world in which everybody gets an opportunity to achieve their dreams.

A particular highlight of my career with Carr Gomm is reaching the position of operations manager. Having colleagues that believed in me meant a lot.

In turn, I am inspired daily by seeing what others have achieved, whether it be colleagues or hearing the positive stories of people supported achieving their dreams.

Outside of work, I go swimming five mornings a week and attend four gym classes. I enjoy going for walks with my chocolate Labrador, holidays with my husband and spending time with my four grandchildren.

I joined Carr Gomm in 2013, and my current role is Involvement, Quality, and Innovation Operations Manager. My main responsibilities include leading on Carr Gomm’s commitment to involving people we support in creative and meaningful ways.

It is about working with others in the organisation as we pioneer exciting, innovative ways to work together. Being part of the Carr Gomm family to champion fairness and equality for everyone is one of my motivations.

My career path began aged 14-19 when I worked at an adventure playground for disabled children and it is where I learned that with the right mind-set and resources, anything is possible.

I then trained and worked as a nurse, developing my passion for working with others as my equals. A move to Scotland in 2004 saw a change in direction, and it’s where I built on my degree studies to move into community development- championing human rights.

This was a continuation of the journey to pursue my passion for specialising in Self-Directed Support within my previous role with Carr Gomm’s Community Contacts team. Most recently, my desire to embrace all voices has seen me shift to my current post.

I spend some of my free time gardening, yoga, and being outside. I also enjoy reading a whole range of books. One that will stick with me for a very long time is ‘War Doctor’ by David Nott, a surgeon whose humanity for the people he cared for in desperate situations is awe-inspiring.

My major inspirations are Rosa Parks because of her determination, my old boss, John Dalrymple who is one of the few people I witnessed treating everyone as equals, and John Noakes of 1970s Blue Peter for inspiring me as a child.

I started working with Carr Gomm shortly after graduating from University in 2003. I was drawn to the values of the organisation as these reflected how I believed all people should be treated.

I had studied Health Promotion at University, some of the underlying principles of this included empowerment, inclusion and tackling inequalities and I believed that I had skills and knowledge that would enable me to support people well.

Working with Carr Gomm has provided me with an incredible opportunity to develop a career in Social Care and I believe that my career is a good reflection of some of the variety of support that Carr Gomm provides and our person centred vision.

I have managed services in a variety of localities including Edinburgh & the Lothians, Falkirk, Stirling, Fife and Dundee and I have managed different models of provision including supported living, visiting and Carers Respite services.

I have been in my current post as Operations Manager since 2013. As an Operations Manager, I lead, manage and develop services, along with Service Managers in a locality, involving the people we support and the people important to them.

I am inspired and motivated on a daily basis by the people we support and I am committed to ensuring that they receive the best quality service from Carr Gomm and that support makes a positive difference to their lives.

Part of my role is to establish effective relationships with local commissioners and ensure that our services meet contractual expectations, are managed within budgets and in line with National, Local and our organisational policies.

I am also motivated by working with Service Managers to help all workers and teams to be the best that they can be and I have always enjoyed my role in delivering training and learning and development.

In our East of Scotland Services I have a lead role for recruitment and induction and enjoy being part of all new workers journey in their career with Carr Gomm and in Social Care.

Outside of work, my two smallish children keep me very busy. Spending time with my husband, family and friends is important to me. I love books and will at least attempt to read most genres and will usually have two or three books that I am at some stage of reading at any time, I also enjoy Radio 4 and will listen to absolutely anything!

I have been a qualified and registered social worker since 2003, following approximately five years as a practitioner in social care. Currently, I work for a national social work leadership organisation, where I focus on influencing policy and legislation, and supporting the development of the social work and social care workforce.

Throughout my career, I have worked in both local authority and third sector settings, specialising in homelessness, mental health, and substance use. My experience ranges from direct work with individuals to managing services. I am committed to seeing people within the context of their entire lives, including their families, communities, and the various systems that surround them.

My passion lies in Human Rights enablement, ensuring that people understand their rights and that these rights are recognised, balanced, and fulfilled in decisions affecting their lives. I am an avid learner, always seeking to think differently about how people and organisations can collaborate across boundaries. I firmly believe that the best outcomes arise from collaboration across professions, sectors, and communities, and I am delighted to bring this perspective to my role on the Carr Gomm Board.

I have over two decades of experience in technology leadership, with a background spanning digital transformation, IT operations and cybersecurity across multiple sectors including construction, telecommunications, consultancy, financial services and education technology. I currently oversee IT strategy, innovation, and business resilience in systems, networks, data, and infrastructure, and have a proven record of leading large teams, managing budgets and portfolios, and delivering complex projects to the highest standards of efficiency and security.

I am passionate about using innovation and technology to improve people’s lives, with a strong focus on digital inclusion, collaboration and user-friendly solutions, an approach that closely aligns with Carr Gomm’s mission of person-centred support and enabling individuals to live full and independent lives. I believe my expertise and strategic leadership will support Carr Gomm in continuing to deliver vital services across Scotland and the UK. Most importantly for me, I share the organisation’s values of compassion, respect, and community, and I am excited to contribute to its vision for the future as a trustee.

Stuart is co-founder of Health By Science, a social enterprise that offers Physiotherapy and Personal Training to people who have been discharged from the NHS but still want to continue their rehabilitation. He is looking forward to helping Carr Gomm achieve its strategic objectives whilst he is a board member. Stuart has always had a passion for health and wellbeing, which led him to study Sports Science at the University of Edinburgh. After completing his degree, he worked as a Personal Trainer whilst studying Physiotherapy before setting up Health By Science with his friends.

I am delighted to have joined the Board of Trustees of Carr Gomm in 2024. I currently sit in the public affairs team at one of Scotland’s leading Universities, having previously worked in the office of a Member of Parliament covering a rural area with many islands. In both roles, I have been continually aware of the issues impacting social care provision, however, I have also heard time-and-time again about the amazing work that Carr Gomm do to provide person-centred support to those that need it most.

I hope to bring valuable insight to Carr Gomm on how to effectively engage with Government and Parliament, whilst also supporting the wider governance and strategy direction of the organisation.

I have previously volunteered in the third sector across independent food banks as well as at an organisation supporting newly arrived asylum seekers with day-to-day living. I am extremely excited to be part of a charity that makes a difference to so many lives.

Outwith work, I enjoy hiking, running, swimming and camping around Scotland whenever I can.

I started my Carr Gomm journey in 2020 when I was working as a volunteer with the Scottish Tech Army and Inspiring Scotland and they recommended supporting Carr Gomm as a new board member. 

The values and philosophy of Carr Gomm resonate with me as a forward thinking and innovative organisation. I am keen to understand more about the sector and assist and support as a Board Member.

I work as a consultant in the technology sector working across various industries and have previously held marketing and product development roles.

In my spare time I like to visit museums, galleries and exhibitions.

I joined the Carr Gomm board to diversify my career and operate at a Board level with an inclusive mix of people but all with the same singular objective.  As a young woman from a lower working-class background, I believe that I add value by further diversifying the Board and adding a unique perspective to an already strong team.

I currently work as Senior Strategy and Planning Manager for Standard Life and have previous experience as a Digital Account Manager as well as in design and marketing roles in Scotland and abroad.

I enjoy my role as a Trustee for an organisation in a completely different field to my professional one, and helping to deliver the mission of Carr Gomm, which holds values very close to my own.  The origins of Carr Gomm are inspiring, and the ‘people centred approach’ reflects my own lived experience.  I have an older brother with autism and learning difficulties, as well as close family members who suffer from ill mental and physical health.  I can see firsthand the support they receive and how much of an impact that can make, to not only themselves as individuals but their role within the wider community.

Throughout my life I have always sought voluntary roles where I can “give back” from the experience and skills that I have been fortunate to acquire through my career and this is something I have always found extremely rewarding and learned a lot from.

In the various voluntary positions I’ve held I have seen so much of people in different walks of life and had to put myself in the shoes of people who have very different life experiences to the ones I’ve had. This has helped me to see the different struggles many people go through and this is why the work Carr Gomm does is so appealing as you support so many different people with varying needs, but fundamentally this is about supporting people to live a quality life in which they can feel fulfilled as this is something we all deserve.

I’m a qualified actuary with over 20 years of international experience in life and health insurance, with a particular focus on medical products and reinsurance. My work has included collaboration with government health systems and participation in professional committees to advance actuarial research and practice.

Since moving to Scotland, I’ve been keen to build stronger connections within the local community. I admire Carr Gomm’s flexible, person-centred approach to care — adapting to what people truly need rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. In a time when loneliness and isolation are often hidden, I believe this kind of support is more important than ever.

Outside of work, I’ve volunteered in both professional and grassroots settings, including co-founding a charity supporting displaced people and running martial arts classes for women in underserved communities. I look forward to contributing my experience in finance, risk, and strategic planning to support Carr Gomm’s mission.

I worked in Carr Gomm for about 18 years and retired 4 years ago to care for my mum and husband.

I truly love Carr Gomm and my fellow workers and am so inspired by the journeys of people who are supported. I have worked across almost all of Carr Gomm’s services in different roles from Team Leader to Senior Operations Manager. I ended my time as Operations Manager Involvement, Quality and Innovation.  I feel I have knowledge and experience of the organisation which will allow me to contribute as a trustee.

I also have external board experience with a European Social Fund (Clyde Urban Waterfront Regeneration), a heritage structure (Titan Crane), a town planning initiative and currently a community magazine.

I am a global sustainability leader with over 30 years’ experience delivering real impact & value for listed companies, private equity, corporates, and technology developers. My career spans hands-on transformation and strategic boardroom influence—empowering organisations to create enduring value for people, planet, and profit. I have undertaken global advisory & leadership roles for Cushman & Wakefield across EMEA and Ministry of Defence across multiple continents.

Alan has led teams to develop and implement award-winning ESG and sustainable investment strategies, and driven change for some of the world’s largest real estate and infrastructure portfolios, including raising £500M in sustainability-linked financing and managing more than £1BN in green bonds. I am recognised across the industry for delivering operational excellence, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and shaping policy conversations from government ministries to boardrooms worldwide.

As a regular conference speaker and active member of major industry groups, I bring a distinctive blend of commercial insight, technical expertise, and transformational leadership to every assignment—continually championing responsible investment.

I am a healthcare leader with over 14 years’ experience in clinical practice, governance, and service transformation. I began my career as a physiotherapist and now work as the National Clinical Lead for a government healthcare contract, where I oversee clinical strategy and quality across the UK.

I am passionate about developing safe, person-centred services that support dignity and independence, and I bring experience of working with government, third-sector organisations, and healthcare professionals to create meaningful change. Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf and I am a season ticket holder at Edinburgh Rugby.

In my professional career, I have worked across health and social care, advocacy, and administration, gaining first-hand insight into supporting people with varied needs while also developing strong organisational and leadership skills. I enjoy roles that balance day-to-day support with opportunities for growth, innovation, and positive change. I am passionate about working with others to create inclusive solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Alongside my professional roles, I have been actively involved in wider mental health and social change initiatives, including advocacy work with MAYO Zimbabwe, the World Federation for Mental Health, and Epilepsy Alliance Africa, where I created Stripes Week to raise epilepsy awareness across Africa. These opportunities have deepened my commitment to promoting dignity, inclusion, and equality.

At this stage in my journey, I want to dedicate more time to using my skills and life experiences to support others. I believe that joining Carr Gomm as a trustee will allow me to contribute in a meaningful way, while also continuing to grow and learn. I look forward to supporting the Board in driving forward the organisation’s mission and strategic priorities.

I am a Solicitor currently practising property law. Through my experience in the legal sector, I have become aware how structural inequalities can limit people’s access to justice, opportunity, and dignity. I am drawn to Carr Gomm because of its person-centred approach and its focus on empowering individuals – particularly those facing disadvantage or vulnerability – to live full and meaningful lives on their own terms.

The work of Carr Gomm resonates with my desire to contribute beyond the legal context—addressing the wider social determinants that impact people’s wellbeing and inclusion. I believe my analytical and critical thinking skills, along with my understanding of regulatory frameworks, risk, and governance from the legal sector, could contribute meaningfully to the Board’s oversight and strategic discussions. I’m particularly inspired by Carr Gomm’s values of respect, honesty, interdependence, and compassion, which are at the heart of both effective care and just systems.

I am excited at the prospect of becoming a Trustee with Carr Gomm as it offers a meaningful opportunity to support an organisation that not only delivers essential services but also challenges the status quo in the pursuit of a fairer, more compassionate society.