Our Care Team

Dr Jonathan Mawdesley-Thomas – BSc (Hons), MBBS – Medical Director

Jonathan is the founder of Saracen Care and Nominated Individual. He was a local GP for many years, including out of hours provision and continues to be GMC registered. His experience means we can provide care for high-dependency adults with complex medical needs. He liaises with primary and secondary care professionals – talking the same language – during assessment, treatment, monitoring and review to ensure timely and proactive care. Jonathan regularly visits services supporting and advising the staff team.

“Treat others as you, yourself, wish to be treated.”

Julia Everard BSc (Hons) – Managing Director

Julia is co-owner of Saracen Care, as well our Registered Manager. Julia has responsibility for the company’s regulatory and legislative compliance requirements as well as business growth and development. She has over 20 years of experience in consultancy, managing teams and major projects prior to joining the health and social care sector. As well as an honours degree; Julia has an Extended Level Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (Level 7) from Gloucestershire College, for which she received the Outstanding Achievement award for her research project work entitled – “Training or Learning? – Effectiveness in the Care Sector”. In 2019, she completed the Quolux LEAD course, a Management and Leadership 10 month course for business owners, CEOs etc and was awarded “Highest Achieving Leader” by her business peers.

Julia is currently on the QuoLux GOLD 12 month course; a strategic leadership and business development programme for company owners.

“Endeavour to understand the world from the perspective of the individual – put yourself in their shoes.”

Suzie Knights – Quality Manager

Suzie is our Quality Manager. She has 20 years’ experience of working within the Health and Social Care sector working with children, adults and older people. In 2016, she joined the Care Quality Commission as a Compliance Inspector. Suzie was responsible for regulating, monitoring and rating services to ensure they were safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Suzie has her Level 5 QCF in leadership for health and social care. Prior to CQC, Suzie was a residential manager, safeguarding officer and shared lives co-ordinator supporting adults with learning disabilities to attend a residential college and gain independence, learn new skills, enjoy building positive relationships, enjoy college life and be part of a community.

“I am extremely passionate about people and believe every person can continue to learn new skills, be independent and live the best possible life. I am committed to ensuring people supported are treated equally and with respect and I believe everybody is entitled to reliable, high quality, safe and effective care. I believe people and staff should be encouraged and supported to achieve and have the best outcomes in their life.”

Konstantin Petrov BSc (Hons), PGDip – Operations Manager

Konstantin has been working in the Health and Social Care sector since 2003. He has been responsible for overseeing a range of services for individuals with a range of mental health conditions and learning disabilities. Konstantin’s experience has included supported living provision and residential as well as complex clinical services, across a variety of care providers in the South West. Konstantin has Level 5 Award in Heath Care Management and also holds a BSc and Post Graduate Diploma in Criminology.

“I am very passionate about delivering person centred and outstanding care and always lead our teams by setting an example – be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Rebecca Hopton – Area Manager, Gloucestershire

Becci has been with Saracen Care since 2014 and has an extensive career across health and social care which commenced in 2003. Becci has worked with children, adults and older people so brings with her a wealth of knowledge across the age groups. She has supported people with a range of different needs, including the elderly, learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health conditions.

Having worked in a leadership capacity at various times since 2005 Becci leads by example and her particular focus is to encourage independence and to ensure the people we support reach their best potential. Having previously worked as an activity co-ordinator Becci believes in enabling people we support to be valued members of the community through provision of personalised, high quality support.

Becci is able to train staff in a number of areas including manual handling, medication, PEG as well as being a Dementia Champion. Becci is currently undertaking her Level 5 in Health & Social Care.

“I am passionate about promoting independence, equality and providing person centred care and support, to enable individuals to achieve good outcomes and a good quality of life.”

Emma Prowse – Area Manager, Swindon

Emma has a background in supporting adults with learning disabilities, physical needs and mental health conditions. She has worked in the sector since 2008 and has significant experience of managing various settings including residential homes, supported living and domiciliary care.

Emma also brings with her experience of children and young people within educational settings, particularly those with behaviours deemed as challenging. Having been a locality manager for a large national organisation Emma brings with her the ability to respond flexibly to people with a range of support needs and adapt her approach accordingly.

Emma has a Diploma Level 5 in Health and Social Care, Adults and Young Persons, and has gained an Award from the Institute of Leadership and Management Award in First Line Management. She has previously been a Registered Manager.

“I believe that everyone has the right to live the life that they choose and that, as a care provider, we should be supporting goals in the best way we can with the least restrictions to that individual. Everyday presents new opportunities and experiences. By empowering not just the people we support, but also the staff teams, I believe the best possible outcomes can be reached.”

Tracey Joslin – Care Manager, Gloucestershire

Tracey started her career working with older adults where she discovered her love for supporting people to live fulfilling lives. Tracey has worked with adults with disabilities, autism and mental health conditions since 2002 across supported living, domiciliary care and residential settings. Tracey has supported children in educational settings, and has experience of governance across a number of sectors.

Tracey is integral in the development of new services within Saracen Care and with vast experience in supporting people to be active members of their local communities, will often develop activity plans.

Tracey is qualified to deliver training in both Positive Behaviour Support and Positive Behaviour Management within Saracen Care. In addition to this Tracey has achieved an NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, as well as various leadership qualifications

“I believe in using a range of approaches to support people in the community, I have a passion for creativity so often use that to come alongside people we support. Every person has unique strengths and abilities which we recognise and value at Saracen Care.”

James Taylor – Care Manager, Gloucestershire

James initially started his career working with children and young people with complex needs, learning disabilities and Autism in a residential school and later via direct payments. He combined his passion for athletics, sport and exercise with caring for young people and engaging them in active and healthy lifestyles, building their confidence and noticing the positive impact this had on reducing behaviours that were challenging and improving their overall wellbeing.

Since joining Saracen in 2018 as a support worker he has completed his level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker and is currently working towards his level 5 Lead Adult Care Worker. James continued to specialise in supporting children and young people with autism and supporting them with a strength-based approach.

“I believe that a society can only truly be measured by how well it includes and supports its most vulnerable citizens. I am passionate about supporting people to live their lives that are meaningful to them, and to do the things they enjoy, at the same time as listening to their story about who they are.”

Lance Pitman – Peripatetic Manager

Lance has worked in Health & Social Care since 2012. He has held roles such as, Care Leader, Head of Dementia and Deputy Manager for older people, with a range of needs including Mental Health. This has provided him with transferrable skills and experience along with developing his own career.

Lance holds a Level 3 Health & Social care extended Diploma, as well as a level 3 Diploma in Dementia, which maps across to supporting all individuals with a person-centred holistic approach.

“I am passionate about outcome based high quality care & support for individuals, always putting the person at the centre of what I do and focusing on the individual’s well-being.”

Steve Johnson – Care Manager, Swindon

Steve has worked in the sector since 2003 and has supported adults and older people. Before working in social care Steve spent a period of time in the Royal Navy providing him with the opportunity to develop transferable skills and to understand the importance of routine and structure for some of the people we support.

Steve has supported people with learning and physical disabilities, autism and mental health diagnoses. In addition to this he has spent a number of years working with individuals who have complex clinical needs.

Having previously been an Assistant Area Manager for a care organisation Steve has an understanding of ensuring individuals receive high quality support despite them residing across a dispersed geographical area. Steve brings with him an enthusiasm for bringing out the full potential in both staff and people we support. Steve has a Level 3 in Health & Social Care.

“I feel passionate towards empowering the people we support to achieve their goals and lead lives that are full of happiness, fun and laughter.”

Mariama Ibrahima, Care Manager – Swindon

Mariama has worked for Saracen Care since 2013. She began as a support worker and has grown with the organisation, becoming a Team Leader and now a Care Manager.

Mariama sees supporting people as a vocation having worked since school in a number of settings across health and social care. Her ambition is to make a positive difference and improve the quality of life for people we are supporting. She believes that this should happen on a day to day basis, as well as for longer term objectives such as working towards a holiday or employment.

Mariama supplements her extensive experience with a Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care.

Jade Bullock, Care Manager – Swindon

Jade joined Saracen Care in 2020 having had experience working as a support worker, senior support worker, and Care Manager. She began her career in care and support because she is passionate about helping people and giving them the confidence to be the best versions of themselves. Jade has worked with people with a range of disabilities, autism and mental health conditions across a range of settings and enjoys each day being different.

Outside of work Jade trains to compete in bodybuilding competitions. The dedication and commitment is a characteristic which is reflected in her day to day working as she supports people to achieve goals and ambitions of their own.

Jade has a Bachelor of Law (LLB) and Level 1 & 2 qualifications in British Sign Language.

“I believe that everyone should be given the experiences and opportunities in life that make them feel happy, joyful and content.”

Debbie Gayfer – Care Manager, Swindon

Debbie started her career as a volunteer youth worker over 20 years ago working with 10- to 16-year-old prolific offenders with the Youth Offending Team, moving on to become an Electronic Tagging Officer for offenders living in the community. Over the last 7 years, Debbie has been working as a Team Manager with semi- independent care leavers with complex needs, and adults with a learning disability. Debbie has an NVQ level 3 in Health and Social care and is in the process of completing her QCF Level 5. Debbie continues her voluntary work with unaccompanied asylum seeker children in the community as part of the Harbour project and visiting and supporting the homeless in Swindon.

“I am passionate about supporting people with needs in the community and allowing them to be fully involved in making decisions around their support and care.”

Nkosi Khumalo, Deputy Care Manager – Swindon

Nkosi has worked in this sector since 2010. He has experience in supporting young adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions with a range of supported living settings. Nkosi joined Saracen care in 2019 as a Team leader and has grown with the organisation becoming a Deputy Care Manager in December 2020. Nkosi demonstrates his passion for providing person centred care in all areas of his work. He believes that it is essential for support staff to promote independence and has led teams to support people to achieve their goals and live their best possible lives. Nkosi also has a BA (Hons) in Business Management.

“I personally believe that compassion is the key to providing a truly person-centred service. It is important to me to see the people we support are given every opportunity to progress, develop and to be independent.”

Sarah Rainey BSc (Hons) – Recruitment and HR Manager

Sarah is responsible for ensuring we have a full complement of high- quality staff. She ensures that all our recruitment process are not only in line with statutory guidance, but are built upon the principles of values based recruitment.

With 25 years’ experience as a Manager within the NHS Sarah brings with her an in-depth understanding of multi-disciplinary working and a commitment to high quality provision. Sarah has been with Saracen Care since 2015 and has worked in a number of roles so has a detailed understanding of all aspects of service delivery. Sarah has a BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care, a CMI Award in Management and an ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management.

“I feel passionate about ensuring the people we support have a staff team built around them which is personalised, effective and pro-active in order to ensure delivery of positive outcomes.”

Toni Williams – Training and Development Manager

Toni qualified as a Health and Social Care Practitioner in 1996 and has over 15 years’ experience of working within the Mental Health Sector. Toni’s role at Saracen Care is to ensure that all staff have the opportunity to personally develop to their full potential and provide a service of excellence. Toni’s passion for quality care and dynamic approach to teaching helps ensure that Saracen Care has a confident, competent and motivated staff team.

Toni has attained a Level 3 Award in Education and Training from the National Star College.

“I believe a happy, well led; valued staff team will be effective, efficient and enthusiastic to deliver a service they are proud of.”

Julie Hall – Community Manager

Julie has worked in the care sector for over 20 years providing support and enablement for adults with learning difficulties, behaviours which may be challenging and complex needs. She has an HNC in Managing Health and Care services and completed Gloucestershire County Council’s new managers induction in 2016. Julie is one of the most long-standing members of Saracen Care and holds a vast knowledge of the people we support. As well as undertaking managerial tasks Julie continues to work directly with the people we support providing valuable insight to how support is delivered day to day, as well as leading by example through mentoring staff; and responding to issues and incidents as necessary.

“I feel very strongly about laying the foundations for a community built on equality, diversity and paving the way to the realisation of self-worth for all vulnerable adults.”