Sandie Foxall-Smith has a background in care and joins after four years as CEO at St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol. Before that she was Director of Development at Circle Health and was previously with BUPA Hospitals.

Regard is one of the UK’s leading providers of support for people with Learning Disabilities, Mental Health and Acquired Brain Injury needs, operating more than 125 supported living services and residential care homes.

Regard’s co-founder and major shareholder, John Farragher, a disability nurse who has been CEO since 2008 and remains on the board, said:

“Sandie Foxall-Smith is joining us with the aim of realising the growth and development opportunities we have identified. She has great experience in the healthcare sector and has impressed us with her enthusiasm, energy levels and desire to make a difference.”

Bal Johal of MML, who put together the finance package for Regard’s planned growth, said:

“The board are delighted to have Sandie on board as she was the stand-out candidate in a very strong field of potential CEO’s for Regard.”

Sandie Foxall-Smith said:

“I’m looking forward to the challenges of continuing the success that Regard has had. As well as experience in the healthcare sector I have a background in Human Resources and with 1,600 staff I see a key part of the role as ensuring that we develop the skills of existing and new staff to best serve those we provide with care.”