Gary began his career in residential childcare in 1992 and his commitment to changing outcomes for children was immediate. Since then, he has completed an abundance of qualifications that have shaped his vision into something far deeper than traditional childcare. Gary is a qualified social worker who has achieved the Advanced Social Worker Award, a Level 4 in Leadership and Management and a Diploma in the Care and Development of Children and Young People. Recognising the profound impact of trauma on children and young people, he went on to complete an MA in Therapeutic Childcare and Management, as well as specialist training in Equine Facilitated Learning using the LEAP model.

Alongside his work in safeguarding and child protection, Gary has built a strong foundation of therapeutic knowledge which underpins the culture within Amegreen’s homes. His leadership helps create environments where children can feel safe, understood and supported to develop new, positive experiences.

Through his studies and hands-on work with children who have experienced early trauma, Gary developed a strong commitment to trauma-informed care and Equine Assisted Therapy. In 2019, he founded Stable Futures, Amegreen’s Equine Assisted Therapeutic Service for children and young people aged 6–18, both from Amegreen and the wider community. Stable Futures is not a riding school; instead, it uses Equine and Small Animal Assisted Learning, Outdoor Learning and bespoke Alternative Curriculum programmes to support young people to process emotions, rebuild trust and reconnect with learning in a safe, nurturing environment.

Rachel began her residential childcare career over 25 years ago, working in children’s homes while studying for her social work degree. Over the years she has excelled in every role she has taken on, progressing to Registered Manager and then Responsible Individual for homes supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, Learning Disabilities and Crisis Intervention. Rachel has led large staff teams of more than 250 people and has received recognition for her dedication to children’s social care. In 2020, she received the Outstanding Contribution Award for her impact and commitment to the sector.

As the South East Regional Lead for the Children’s Homes Association (CHA), Rachel has helped shape national change within the sector. She has contributed to developments with the Department for Education, Ofsted and CHA, and continues to offer expert consultancy and guidance when it is most needed.

Rachel has a particular passion for safeguarding which has driven both local and national changes, some of which have been adopted by the police. She has acted as a consultant in parliamentary discussions, contributed to national research into children’s homes and helped develop protocols to better support and safeguard children in care. She continues to be a strong advocate for children as a minority group within society and is driven by a commitment to inclusivity for all vulnerable young people.

Rachel is DDP trained (Dyadic Developmental Practice) and shares Gary’s commitment to providing young people with nurturing, therapeutic environments as a way of healing trauma and rebuilding how they experience relationships and the world around them.