Vicky Simpson
Director and Responsible Individual
I set VCare24 up in 2017 as a secure ambulance service and crisis placements for vulnerable young people. VCare, over the years has developed a good working relationship with many trusts, CCG and Local Authorities delivering bespoke care to some of the most vulnerable. We now have a large experienced dedicated transport team working under our CQC registrations ensuring every patient is treated with the dignity they respect in times of crisis. We have 5 Ofsted registered homes for Emotional behavioral Difficulties and one Learning disabilities home. I set up the company because I have a passion for helping people and wanted to give children a place where given the right inspiration, they can build foundations for a better future. I am very proud of the company and how far we have come and the commitment of the staff that have helped it get to where it is today.
Jean Gordon
Registered Regional Manager
I have worked for VCare since May 2019 after making the decision to move to a company that was offering a more bespoke approach to supporting young people in crisis. I have always worked within child and social care settings and felt that the move would allow me to continue offering support not only to young people and their families, but to become involved in the development and progression of a portfolio of services that could offer inspiration and direction.
I am passionate about ensuring that children and young people’s voices are not only listened too but heard, and that we understand that a young person’s journey can make a direct contribution to the way they can communicate their feelings – communication is not just through spoken words, it can also be shown through emotions as well.
People often ask me why I ‘do this job’? The rewards are beyond belief, but we may not always see them or hear about them until much later. Often when young people move on, it is then that they are able to reflect on their time spent within one of our homes and the opportunities they have been given. To be told that you saved someone’s life is the most amazing thing you can get back from what young people say to us is ‘only a job’. It is a vocation, and I am pleased to be a part of a team that continually places the focus on the child or young person and ensures that their needs are met as individuals.
Chloe Roberts
HR Lead
My role at VCare24 ltd is HR Lead. I began my employment in September 2019, since starting, my role has evolved from general day to day office admin to supporting the HR Manager with the safer recruitment processes and heading social media marketing to now having a lead role in the HR department. I support the business to ensure the smooth running of the company from a people perspective, manage employee relations and oversee staff attendance and absence monitoring. The aspect of my role I enjoy the most is supporting the company and staff achieve effective relationships and ensuring a smooth recruitment process. I am passionate about creating an inclusive culture that welcomes all our colleagues, encourages them to be themselves and be at their best. I enjoy working for VCare24 and feel we have a great team; I am looking forward to gaining more valuable experience and continue to progress within a growing business.
Dannii Kenington
Senior Management
I began my journey with Vcare24 in October 2017, as part of the Senior Management team supporting Vicky to set up all aspects of the business and have been hands on from day one. I am currently supporting managers across the company with development of each department and assist with the development of the staff and the teams, whilst looking into new ways to grow the company whilst maintaining high morale and staff retention. I am very passionate about the company, and I am excited to see what we can achieve.
Steve Axup
Transport Manager (NE)
I have worked with Vcare24 since April 2019. Since this time, I have progressed within the company to my current position. I am proud to work alongside all of our staff team, which share the same passion and enthusiasm to care for those whilst in crisis. I have worked in the care industry for approaching 30 years now, in a variety of different roles. My current role, is one that I have enjoyed the most in all these years. It is great to work for a company that has the same values as me. One of these values is that we do NOT use cages for patients we transport, they need help… not a cage! Within this time, I have worked in secure settings from prisons through to working in Mental Health. I have spent the last 10 years previous to this role in the training sector, delivering Diplomas in Health and Social Care at all levels, though in the main level 5. My aim was to nurture staff at source with the caring values we all strive for.
Matthew Shipley
Transport Manager
I started working for Vcare24 in November 2019 where I worked causal hours for the Secure Transport team. I have joined Vcare24 full time in December 2020. In my short but memorable time working within Vcare24 I have seen the business flourish and develop, and their continuous improvement helped me make the decision to move here full time. There is no typical day at Vcare24, each day brings new challenges which I relish. My main role is helping with the day to day running of the Transport Team behind the scenes making sure our extensive and growing fleet of vehicles are in good order and operating with our financial team to ensure audits are completed. The passion and drive I have seen throughout the company ranging from the managers/directors to the support workers in our team is simply outstanding and the job satisfaction we all gain from working for vcare24 is something you cannot buy.
Laura Crossland
Registered Homes Manager
I have worked in children and young people’s services for 12 years, starting as a support worker and progressing to a management level. I joined VCare24 as a senior support worker in July 2020 and was attracted to the company as there was a real family feel and I felt at home from the moment I walked through the door. I also felt that the ethos and values of the company were very much in line with my own.
Whilst working for VCare24 I have enjoyed continuing to learn and develop my knowledge and skills and have watched the company grow and flourish. Although we are still relatively small as a company, we have a big vision, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds!
Kalama Claydon-Ireland
Finance Lead
I started with VCare 24 in February 2018 as a support worker working directly with young people for almost 4 years and progressed to a senior position in the residential homes before taking some time out to start a family. Upon my return in October 2022, I moved into a finance role and have since become the finance lead where I oversee all aspects of the company’s finances and support the accountant in preparing the financial records to meet our statutory accounting requirements. I wanted to stay in touch with how we support the people who use our services and so also support our training team with delivering some of our induction courses as a PACE registered advanced CSE practitioner.
From Vicky beginning the VCare 24 journey in 2017 there has been an extraordinary amount of growth and development throughout all departments, and I am excited to be a part of the next chapter of growth for the Vcare24 team.