Virginia Perkins, Chief Executive at the Hesley Group – a specialist provider for people with learning disabilities and autistic people – shares her vision for a new chapter at the organisation, one defined by purpose, people, and possibility.
Stepping into the role of CEO at Hesley Group has been a career highlight, building on my previous experience working within adult CQC regulated services and allowing me to bring that expertise to a new and inspiring new phase. At a time of significant transformation following change in ownership and a restructured leadership landscape, I recognise both the weight of responsibility and the tremendous opportunity ahead. With over five decades of history and a deeply embedded commitment to those we support, Hesley Group is uniquely placed right now to grow, evolve and lead the sector.
My immediate priority upon joining has been clear, to build a high performing team, capable of delivering our bold vision for the future. That began with reshaping the leadership structure, ensuring we have the right people, in the right roles, working with purpose and passion. With a newly appointed C-Suite made up of highly experienced professionals, we are now poised to drive forward with clarity, ambition and unity.
At the heart of our renewed vision is a simple yet profound focus – the people we support. Our five-year strategic plan is not just about organisational growth, it is about making a much wider meaningful impact. We are significantly investing in our existing residential, supported living and educational services for the people we support, enhancing quality and elevating standards, all while staying true to our core values and the colleagues who bring them to life every day. Over the next five years, we’re proud to be generating more than 600 new jobs and additional new homes for the people we support, driving both opportunity and impact in the communities we serve.
One of our key areas of development is the creation of transitional pathways that support young adults from their school into tailored residential and supported living services, offering a clear and supportive pathway.
Our foundations are strong. We are proud to have recently achieved 100% ‘Good’ rated services across our portfolio, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams on the ground. We are also seeing exciting momentum with the opening of our new supported living services, which is ensuring more individuals have access to the high-quality support they deserve. Meanwhile, our culture and people agenda is thriving with a market leading staff turnover figure and minimal agency used.
As we look ahead, our ambition is to be more than just a great provider, we want to be a trusted partner, a champion of best practice and an employer of choice. Strengthening relationships with external stakeholders is a key part of this journey, as we work to enhance our reputation and play a leading role in shaping the future of the care industry.
The year 2025 will mark Hesley Group’s 50th anniversary. This is a momentous milestone that we will be celebrating with pride and purpose. Throughout the year, we will be recognising the remarkable achievements of our colleagues, and honouring the stories of those we support as we look forward to another 50 years filled with even greater impact.
As we begin this exciting new journey, we do so with optimism, resilience and a deep sense of responsibility. We are navigating a path defined by trust, ambition and service excellence. The road ahead is one of transformation but also of opportunity.
Together, we are not just shaping the future of Hesley Group. We are shaping lives, empowering individuals and creating communities of care where everyone can thrive.
And that is a future worth leading.
