PK Award 3

It was announced last week that Peter Kinsey, Chair and CEO, at Iris Care Group has won this year’s prestigious Social Care Top 30 Award.

The awards are open to senior executives in the care sector and, each year, the nominations are whittled down to a shortlist of 30 before the public are allowed to vote for the final winner.

Peter was nominated by his colleagues at Iris Care Group not only for the work he has done launching this new social care organisation but for his 35 years health and social care experience.

In that time Peter has been a Local Authority Strategic Commissioning Manager and Director of Mental Health Services in the NHS. He was also CEO of Achieve Together for 13 years; in which time he oversaw a complete rebrand and relaunch of the company.

In 2022 he was appointed as Chair and Chief Executive of the nascent Iris Care Group, bringing together two established mental health care providers, Holmleigh Care Homes and Ludlow Street Healthcare.

Peter has an MBA and a MA in the Management of Community Care, Learning Disabilities/Mental Health.

Peter commented: “I was delighted to have been shortlisted for the Social Care Top 30. We have some fantastic leaders in our sector, and it was a real privilege to be included amongst them. 

“I was therefore surprised and delighted to win this award and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. 

“Whilst it has been humbling to win, I am delighted to have this opportunity to shine a light on the new Iris Care Group. We employ and support some amazing people and I’m very proud to lead the organisation.”

Yvonne Murray, Iris Care Group’s Group People Director, added: “We could not be prouder of Peter. This award is well deserved. In the last 18 months he has steered our organization through the merger of two existing health and social care organisations straddling both Wales and the West of England.

“Organisational changes like this can create a great deal of anxiety but it is a testament to Peter’s leadership that we have successfully transitioned and are achieving some of our best ever staff survey satisfaction scores.

“Peter takes the time to visit different services every week and chat to the people we support and our staff. His passion for providing the best outcomes we can for the people we support is evident, and he is an inspiration for us all”.

Iris Care Group launched in May this year, bringing together two established health and social care providers, Holmleigh Care Homes based in Gloucester and Cardiff-based Ludlow Street Healthcare.

Both organisations were experts in providing care and therapeutic support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. In particular, they specialise in providing support for people with complex needs and behaviours that challenge. 

With an expanded range of complementary services, Iris Care Group now offers the individuals it supports more comprehensive care and rehabilitation solutions with a focus on delivering high quality, personalised and safe care that treats everyone with dignity; supporting individuals to lead happy, healthy lives. 

Iris Care Group has more than 1,600 staff supporting almost 450 individuals across more than 50 sites, with the group’s central support services split between its Cardiff and Gloucester administration centres.