WCS Care's Chief Executive Christine Asbury to step down this Autumn

WCS Care's Chief Executive, Christine Asbury, has confirmed her intention to step down from her role at the end of September 2020. 

After informing the Warwickshire-based charity's Board in January, Christine's focus has been on ensuring the organisation continues to have everything it needs to support homes through the Covid-19 pandemic, so a planned announcement last month was postponed until now. 

Christine joined WCS Care in 2012 and has been instrumental in developing the Warwickshire-based care home provider into an organisation recognised across the UK, and internationally, for its innovation, use of technology, and creativity. 

Christine has been responsible for introducing a values-led approach to care and has seen the group successfully implement electronic care planning, acoustic monitoring and circadian lighting, as well as overseeing the development of three revolutionary new build homes in Rugby, Kenilworth and Warwick.   

Ed Russell, who started his career at the charity as a carer in 1992 and is currently Deputy Chief Executive, has been appointed as Chief Executive, and will assume his new role in August following a transition period. 

Adrian Levett, Chairman of WCS Care's Board, said: 'Christine has made a significant and lasting contribution to WCS Care throughout her tenure as Chief Executive. 

'When she joined us eight years ago, Christine set about building a passionate, playful and creative environment, embedding a set of values that everyone can relate to. She also encouraged everyday, accessible language that drives our ambition. 

'Christine has been instrumental in sharing our learning with the sector, recognised the importance of investing in leaders at all levels of the organisation, and demonstrated an aptitude for experimentation and trying without fear, which has given everyone permission to contribute to improving our approach to care. 

'WCS Care has benefited tremendously from Christine's insight, hands-on approach and dedication, and will continue to do so in the coming months, as we navigate through the challenges the whole world is facing right now. We wish Christine well in all of her future endeavours and we look forward to working with Ed in his new role.' 

Ed Russell added: 'Christine's impact on the care sector has been to reset ambition, expectations and belief, and ultimately to show you can make things happen; an approach that has been so essential in helping us through these unprecedented times.  'I would like to add my sincere thanks to Christine for everything she has done and will continue to do for WCS Care in the coming months, as our focus remains on the health and wellbeing of everyone living and working with us.'

 

Christine said: 'I've had the opportunity to work with an amazing team of people who are incredibly dedicated to the residents who live with us. I'll miss spending my time in the homes getting to know residents, and sharing experiences with the care team, who help provide so many opportunities for residents, day-in, day-out. 

'Leading WCS Care as Chief Executive has been incredibly fulfilling, exciting and challenging. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my colleagues across WCS Care, and most of all spending time with the residents in our 13 homes. Collectively, I believe we have made a positive difference to the lives of many thousands of people in that time - not just here but in the wider social care sector. 

'While I've decided I won't be taking on another permanent CEO role, I'm still passionate about good social care and I hope I'll be able to play a continuing part. For now, I'll continue to be very much hands-on for the coming months until the transition is complete, or longer if the impact of Covid-19 means I am needed.'