Our Team
Board
Members
Jon Manzoni
Managing Director
Jon was previously Managing Director of an interim management and consultancy company specializing in transforming adult social care services. Jon has worked for over 20 years within the social care, health and housing sectors. During this time, he has gained a wealth of experience at senior management level including the planning, set up and managing of Local Authority Trading Companies. Jon is passionate about delivering services that make a real difference to peoples’ lives and have a positive impact on local communities. Jon lives locally in Hadleigh with his wife Sally, dog Enzo and two cats Monty and Hugo. Jon is an avid football fan combining the highs of Liverpool with the realism of Southend United.
Peter Little
Chair
Peter is a former CEO in the Telecoms industry, with over 30 years’ experience at Board level. He has been involved in business start-ups and turnarounds, has run his own Consultancy company and was previously a Non-Executive Director with North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Peter has also been a Governor on the South Essex College Board and resides in Thorpe Bay.
Stephen Unsworth
Director of Operations
Stephen has over 20 years experience in Executive and Senior Management roles across Health, Social Care and Provider Services.
His experience spans the NHS, Social Services and Private Equity, developing and leading teams of managers across a wide range of services for people.
He has extensive experience in progressing the transformation agenda, notably with Buckinghamshire County Council’s LATC and recently in London Boroughs with their Social Care Market Alternatives Agenda.
Stephen was born in Manchester and loves listening to Oasis and The Verve - though his Black Labrador ‘Alfie’ doesn’t !
Dr Sarah Zaidi
Non Executive Director
Sarah is a local practising GP in a large practice in Southend and an experienced Clinical Director and Lead for the local community health services provider, South Essex Partnership Trust. Sarah is a resident of Leigh-on-Sea.
Andrew Hughes
Non Executive Director
Andrew is Head of Care and Health Improvement Programme at the Local Government Association working collaboratively with local councils and the Department of Health on a range of health and social care issues. He is also the Non Executive Chairman of the Care and Support services for a major Housing Association. Andrew lives in Greenwich, London.
Service Management
The team
Sam Howell
CQC Registered Manager
Samantha has extensive experience and is passionate about dignified, person centred care, which enables people to enjoy the best possible quality of life. She has a petting dog called Parker who visits the home regularly. In her spare time Samantha enjoys badminton, roller skating, sea kayaking, cycling and long dog walks.
Shirley Lough
CQC Registered Manager
Shirley has considerable experience in health and social care, managing complex intermediate services for over twenty years. She’s passionate about safeguarding; ensuring staff know how to recognise, manage and report concerns. Shirley manages a diverse team, including close links with clinicians and health sector colleagues. Shirley sings in a local choir and enjoys attending festivals.
Jennie Andrews
CQC Registered Manager
Jennie has been part of the Shared Lives service since it began in 2005 and was involved in developing and establishing the scheme. She has worked in learning disability services for over 24 years and lives in the Southend area.
Joan Constable
CQC Registered Manager
Joan has considerable experience in health and social care. She has been a Registered Manager for 18 years and instrumental in developing the service at Spencer House. Joan came into the care sector after seeing the difference that could be made when her own father needed help. In her spare time, Joan enjoys crafts, especially sewing.
Sharon Needham
Employment Manager
Sharon has worked in the care sector for over 36 years. Starting in the private sector, she has also worked for several local borough councils. Sharon began managing the Making it Work service in 2017 and has been instrumental in shaping it. She enjoys visiting historical buildings, watching rugby, cooking, and especially values spending time with her family.
Debbie Chapman
Manager
Debbie has worked for the local authority for 35 years and joined Southend Care in 2017. She has continued to gain experience alongside studying, which has developed her passion to help people realise their potential. Debbie spends her spare time creating her own clothes and she is part of a worship group and gospel choir.
Garry Smith
Manager
Garry has managed the team at Viking since 2011 and has worked with adults who have learning disabilities for 32 years. He lives in Southend and in his spare time relaxes in his workshop. He has taken part in many sponsored activities; including parachute jumps and an abseil off London’s Guys hospital.
Laura Johnson
Business Manager
Laura has many years of experience in both the Public and Private sector. Her experience covers areas that include Business Management, Office Management and Finance to name just a few.
During her free time Laura likes to spend time with family and friends, especially if it involves meeting up for a nice meal and a bottle of red.