Richard Perry (Responsible Individual)
Throughout my career, I have maintained a professional approach and demonstrated resourcefulness in resolving challenging situations. My ethos is rooted in achieving positive outcomes and creating a nurturing environment for the young people in my care. My aim is to develop and lead a team that delivers outstanding outcomes within the home, using an individualised approach tailored to each young person’s needs.
Having progressed through various roles in the care sector—from residential support worker to responsible individual—I have developed a strong understanding of the expectations and requirements at every level. I ensure that everyone I work with understands and embodies the values and culture of the children’s social care sector. It is my responsibility to adhere to both regulatory and organisational standards, as well as those set by local and placing authorities.
My working knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations, including the Quality Standards, supports my continued professional development and helps ensure compliance with Ofsted’s criteria. The safety and wellbeing of both young people and staff remain my highest priority.
I am a strong team player and work collaboratively with external agencies and professionals to act in the best interests of the young people. These partnerships enhance the quality of care and support I am able to provide.
Qualifications and Experience:
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce: Social Care Pathway (England)
Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Management and Leadership (QCF)
10 years of experience in residential child care
PRICE Intervention Trainer
Therapeutic care background
Experience in managing finances
Knowledge and implementation of Safer Recruitment practices
DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) Advanced Training
Joanne Carroll
I have worked in various roles within the care sector, from residential support worker to registered manager. I have thoroughly enjoyed every role, they have contributed significantly to both my professional and personal development. I thrive on professional growth and continually seek to enhance my knowledge and skill set. I am driven to create positive experiences and outcomes that help young people reach their full potential.
As a registered manager, my values and ethos centre on ensuring that both young people and staff feel safe, secure, supported, and advocated for. I believe in providing meaningful opportunities that empower individuals and foster growth.
Through my roles - first as deputy manager, then as registered manager at Grace House and later at our sister home, Vesey Way - I have built strong relationships with external professionals across the care sector. I view partnerships working as a vital aspect of my role; building and maintaining these relationships, along with effective information sharing, are practices I continuously develop.
I am committed to providing up-to-date information, regular training, and development days for my team. I believe that stepping outside of one's comfort zone, pushing professional boundaries, and deepening knowledge are key to delivering outstanding care. I encourage my team to be progressive and to feel empowered in their roles. When young people feel valued and supported by a team of positive role models, they are given the best possible chance to succeed and achieve their goals.
Donna Bradley
I have worked in children’s residential care for the past 11 years, progressing through a variety of roles from residential support worker to my current position as registered manager. I collaborate closely with multi-agency and multi-disciplinary teams to ensure the best possible outcomes for the young people I support.
I believe that essential qualities for working with children and young individuals include excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to build trust, consistency, empathy, clear boundaries, and positive role modelling. I am deeply dedicated to my role and committed to providing effective guidance and support to both the staff team and the young people in our care, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Michael Murphy
I am the Registered Manager at Shirley House. I have over eight years of experience working in children’s residential care. I began my career as a Senior Support Worker at Grace House, where I progressed to Deputy Manager after two years in the senior role. Before this, I spent three years working with children with mental health conditions in a therapeutic setting.
Over the years, I have built strong, positive relationships with the young people in my care and feel proud to have contributed to improving their quality of life. Working with children in residential settings has always been my passion—I genuinely enjoy coming to work each day to serve as a positive role model for children who may not have had the best start in life.
I am currently completing my Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Children’s Care. Having served as a Deputy Manager for approximately two and a half years, I am committed to continuing to promote positive outcomes for children at a management level. In my role, I provide guidance and oversight to the staff team, ensuring they work in line with the Quality Standards. I also actively promote progression and professional development opportunities within the team—just as this opportunity was once given to me. My name is Louise Mellor. I joined Gracebridge Care in August 2021 as a Senior Residential Support Worker at Malvern House. In March 2023, I was promoted to Deputy Manager at Malvern House, and later, in June 2023, I transitioned to Grace House to take on the Deputy Manager role. I have since progressed and now proudly serve as the Registered Manager of Grace House.
Louise Mellor
I joined Gracebridge Care in August 2021 as a senior residential support worker at Malvern House. In March 2023, I was promoted to deputy manager, and later, in June 2023, I transitioned to Grace House to take on the deputy manager role. I have since progressed and now proudly serve as the registered manager of Grace House.
I have over nine years of experience working in children's residential care, supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) as well as in therapeutic care settings. I am passionate about my role and committed to building positive, trusting relationships with the young people in my care. I strive to support each individual to achieve the best possible outcomes tailored to their needs.
I believe that the welfare of the young person is paramount, and I work in an open and transparent manner to ensure their safety and wellbeing. I also aim to create a nurturing environment where young people can build happy, lasting memories.
Amy Carroll
I have worked at Gracebridge Care for around four years, starting at Grace House as a residential support worker. After about a year, I was promoted to senior support worker and transitioned to our sister home, Malvern House. During my time at Malvern, I was focused and dedicated to supporting young people to thrive in their environment, ensuring we consistently provided high-quality care. As a team, we worked hard to create a homely, nurturing atmosphere where young people could build positive memories to cherish.
As the company continued to grow, a new opportunity arose, and I was promoted to deputy manager at another sister home, Shirley House. I spent a year there, gaining valuable experience in opening a new home and supporting the transition of new young people in the setting. I played a key role in recruiting a competent and caring staff team, ensuring consistency and quality of care for the young people.
Most recently, I have been promoted to manager at our newest home, Yew Tree House. I am incredibly passionate about my work and take pride in watching the young people flourish and build strong, trusting relationships with the staff team who support them daily. My goal is to continue growing professionally and to consistently provide the best care possible for the young people in our service.
