The Social Care Institute for Excellence’s Chief Executive, Kathryn Marsden OBE, announces departure

On behalf of SCIE, I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to Kathryn for her unparalleled dedication and hard work.

Kathryn’s impact on SCIE and the wider sector has been profound. In every sense, she has led with both head and heart, and SCIE is stronger, more influential, and more future-ready because of her.

She has been the architect of SCIE’s organisational turnaround, restoring financial stability and ensuring its future sustainability. SCIE is now in a position to move from strength to strength and focus on delivering our mission of supporting best practice, shaping policy and raising awareness of the importance of social care.

With her thoughtful, authoritative voice, Kathryn has become a highly respected leader and a trusted convenor within the care sector. She has strengthened SCIE’s reputation as a constructive partner, shaping national conversations and building alliances that reflect our values and purpose.

Her leadership during the pandemic demonstrated SCIE at its best: responsive, authoritative and deeply connected to sector needs. Standing up the National COVID-19 Hub at pace and supporting local systems through the crisis was a testament to her steadiness and her values.

I wish Kathryn every success in this next chapter. I have greatly valued—and genuinely enjoyed—working with her, and I know her impact will continue to be felt at SCIE long after her departure.

As we look to the future, we are delighted to welcome Gerard into the role of Interim Chief Executive. Gerard brings a wealth of experience to the role and has been central to championing our mission, keeping people who draw upon care and support at the heart of what we do. I look forward to working with him as we continue on this mission.

I am leaving SCIE incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve together over the last six years. Being SCIE’s Chief Executive has been a great privilege—affording me the opportunity to shape the future of social care for the better and to speak truth to power. I leave grateful for the part I was able to play in enabling people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives.

I will greatly miss the many colleagues, social care leaders and frontline professionals I have been lucky enough to work alongside. Diverse and dynamic, committed and resilient, they share my passions for improvement and innovation in social care.

SCIE’s vision and mission remain unchanged. I feel confident that, having left the charity in good health, it will continue to thrive. I know Paul and Gerard will ensure that SCIE continues on its journey to improve social care for adults and children.