Meet the Senior Team
Stephen French
Business and Development Director
.jpg)
Stephen is You First's Business and Development Director and is responsible for Overseeing the Registered Managers and Office Team. He says:
"I am passionate about creating social change and driven to lead You First to being at the forefront of solution-based support.
I want to make the biggest possible social impact in the most innovative and effective way. You First Support Services has reaffirmed to me that true person-centred support can be achieved and thrive in our local communities.
Working collaboratively with the people we support, their families, support teams and operational staff, for a shared purpose and clear set of values, we can realise life aspirations and achieve everyday celebrations."
JADE HERBERT-HUTCHINSON
BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
Over her carrier, Jade has gained extensive experience working in a number of organisations, such as the National Autistic Society and Leonard Cheshire Homes, among others.
Jade says:
“My name is Jade Herbert-Hutchinson, I like to be called Jade.
I have a little over 14yrs experience working within the Adult Health and Social Care Sector. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with individuals on the Autistic Spectrum and in more recent years, older people with a Dementia and nursing needs.
During my career I have enjoyed varying roles, from Support Worker, Registered Manager, Health Coordinator, Quality Manager and Operations Manager.
I am passionate about people receiving GOOD quality care and championing peoples rights. For me there is no greater achievement then enabling someone to achieve the goals they want in life.
I am person with dyslexia and ‘wear’ this with pride, #proud #Neurodiverse.
In joining You First Support, I am wanting to continue the work that truly puts YOU at the forefront of designing the support YOU want.”
BELINDA PARKER
Registered Manager (Locality MANAGER)
Belinda works for You First as a Locality Manager, overseeing some of the Direct Suppport that we provide. She says:
"I joined You First in October 2022 as a Locality Manager.
I had worked in a wide range of services, including residential homes, a special needs school, domiciliary care and supported living; and was looking for a new challenge with a company who cared about the people we support, but also the staff.
I enjoy working for You First because we are passionate about supporting people to live the life they choose, and ensuring the people we support get the best quality of support.
My favourite part of this role is building and maintaining relationships with the amazing people we support and our wonderful support workers."
Lindsey Bradbury
Registered Manager (Locality Manager)
Lindsey is also joining us as a Locality Manager, she says:
“Hi, my name is Lindsey, I have joined You First November 23, I have been in health and social care for several years, I have experience with complex needs, autism, changing lives for the better.
Part of the attraction to work with You First was their person-centred approach, I am passionate about people receiving the right care and support to live their lives the they choose to live.
I believe that I am a good advocate for people to express their needs and wishes.”
John Fernandes
Registered Manager (Locality Manager)
John has joined You First in the position of Registered Manager (Locality Manager). John will be taking over from the teams I have been supporting in the coming weeks and months. John comes with a wealth of experiences and we are excited for John to be joining us. John says:
"I have worked in Adult Social Care since 2017, mostly with adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. During this period, I developed an interest in complex cases, including CRISIS support in the Somerset area and have became more invested in the inclusion and fairness of impaired people in our society. It's been a privilege to work in this area and learn so much about others and myself. I look forward to meeting and working with you all in You First Support Services."
STEPH GRIFFITHS
BUSINESS SUPPORT MANAGER
Steph joined You First following a career as a Medical Secretary, working at Frome Victoria Hospital, and then for many years at Yeovil District Hospital. Steph says:
“I enjoy working in the office at You First as it is rewarding to be part of a team that supports both our team members and the people we support and to feel that you are contributing to improving peoples lives.
It is very exciting that our Operations Team is growing, and it has been good to meet our new team members this week and I look forward to working with them all.”
JACK DONOVAN
OFFICE MANAGER
Jack is You First's Office Manager and works alongside Steph, dealing with much of the Administative side of the orginisation. He says:
"My name is Jack Donovan and I have been working for You First since 2016.
When I first joined the organisation, I was working as the Business Apprentice, though which I gained my level 2 and 3 qualifications in Business and Administration.
Since then I have been supporting the organisation in an administrative role.
I am often the first person you will hear when you ring into the office, and when I'm not on the phone I will be at someone else's desk, frowning as I try to fix their laptop.
As I mentioned above, a lot of what is do is IT related. This includes maintaining and fixing our laptops, as well as creating spreadsheets and looking after our communication systems.
I am also involved with supporting operations and the Operations Team.
Working for You First can be incredibly challenging, as our work is as complex as the people we support and employ, but that is also what I enjoy most about the role.
Often, I have to think on my feet, and work with my colleagues to resolve fast moving and intricate situations. I am lucky that I am part of a great team that can rally together to fix things."
Mimi French
Office and Administation Assistent
Mimi supports our administrative team on a part time basis, and creates a lots of our Social Media content. She says:
"I am working as the Business Apprentice, and I am often the first person you will hear when you ring into the office.
I also am passionate about creating social media to promote social change and lead You First to be promoted and known.
You First Support Services has amazing values that (i agree with), working collaboratively with the people we support, their families, support teams and operational staff.
Working for a shared purpose and clear set of values, we can realise life aspirations and achieve everyday celebrations."
Joe Harris
OFFICE AND ADMINISTATION ASSISTENT
.jpeg)
Joe works in out Administative team, and is supporting us with Data Collection and Compliance checking.
TREVOR HOLMES
CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER
Trevor oversees You First's finances as our Chief Financial Officer. He says:
"I am a Director of You First alongside Andy Robinson and my role is to look after the CIC’s finances.
You First is a Social Enterprise, a “not for private profit” organisation but we exist in a very real market place where the fiscal pressures are real, challenging and felt.
Careful financial management supports organisational growth and this in turn supports the realisation of the You First vision.
Whilst my head may be buried in spreadsheets and real time bookkeeping I do this to support You First to not only provide high quality support but also to drive up standards in social care more generally."
 Web.jpg)
