Our Team

Director

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Alan Wilkinson

Alan started his training in the care sector in 1974, completing a residential care course. In 1980, he qualified as a Registered Nurse – Learning Disabilities. He holds the NVQ Levels 2 and 3 qualification, NVQ Level 4 Registered Managers Award and Assessors Award (LDAF). Alan is the sole owner of Highfield and is much involved in its day-to-day operations and has been since its inception in June 1986. Like all managers, Alan has an open-door policy, which means he is available to talk to staff, service users and family at any time.

Registered Manager

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Katie Ryan

Katie joined Highfield as the Registered Manager in 2016, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her care background began as a Support Worker with Darwen Borough Council in Blackburn. Whilst working for Social Services, Katie was promoted to Senior Community Support Worker and then as Team Coordinator. Katie has also managed a respite service for adults with learning disabilities and was a Registered Manager for a local care provider. Katie holds an NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care, QCF Level 5 in Leadership and Management, NCFE Level 3 in Principles of End-of-Life Care, the Moving and Handling of People Trainers' and Assessors Award as well as the Disabled Living Trusted Assessors Award.

Operations Manager

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Cathi Sherratt

Cathi joined Highfield in 2020 as Operations Manager, responsible for recruitment, HR, organising funding, in-house training, and staff CPD. She is also responsible for one of Highfield's supported living properties. Cathi's care background includes the management of a residential care home, behaviour support within a behavioural school and Operations Manager for training providers for 20 years, delivering NVQs in care across a wide range of health and social care sectors. Cathi holds an NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management and Learning and Development.

Base Manager

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Clair Johnson

Claire recently joined Highfield in September 2022. Previously Claire worked in the retail banking sector and comes to us with a wealth of business and management knowledge from a career spanning 29 years. Claire is responsible for the administration, marketing, organisation and day-to-day running of our day centre, The Base.

Team Manager

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Tara Wilkinson

Tara joined the company in 2009 as a Support Worker and was promoted to Team Leader in May 2012, then Team Manager in March 2013. Tara holds an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care and a Level 5 in Management. She manages two supported living houses and Outreach service users, as well as Highfield's bank staff.

Team Manager

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Michelle Davies

I've worked within health and social care for 18 years and also have experience working within Nurseries and Children's homes. During this time I gained a B.A. Honours Degree in Criminology. I joined Highfield in 2018 as a support worker then became a team leader in 2019. I have completed my Level 5 in management within health and social care. I look after 3 supported living services within Highfield.

Team Manager

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Vicky Banham

I started as a Support Worker then on to Team Leader within Highfield, I then left to take up a role as a registered manager for 4 years before returning to Highfield as a Team Manager. I look after 4 supported living services within Highfield. I love spending time with my 3 Children and enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, scuba diving and walking.

Administrator

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Jo Aldred

I have spent most of my working life in administrative and secretarial roles, developing strong organisational, communication, and office management skills. Throughout my career, I have supported teams and managers by handling a wide range of administrative duties efficiently and professionally. In addition to my administration experience, I worked as a Purchaser for Hollands Pies, where I was responsible for sourcing materials, managing supplier relationships, and helping to ensure the smooth operation of purchasing activities. My varied experience has given me a strong attention to detail, excellent time-management skills, and the ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments.