Care Homes UK | Dementia, Residential & Nursing Care | Runwood Homes

Directors

Chief Executive Officer

In 1987, successful property developer Gordon Sanders had a dream. That dream was to provide the best possible care for the older people in the community in which he lived.

Runwood Homes was formed and twenty five years later that dream is a reality. As the dream unfolded Gordon Sanders, whilst remaining Chief Executive Officer of the care homes group, has surrounded himself with the most qualified and dedicated team of care home professionals available.

A continuing improvement in the quality of care that older people need and deserve was and is Gordon’s sole aim. His 35 years’ experience as a developer have given him specialist knowledge, that has put him at the forefront of the care home construction industry in the UK, developing new purpose-built facilities whilst extensively refurbishing existing homes to the highest possible standard.

Business Development Director

Sarah has a longstanding career within the health and social care sector and has worked at Runwood Homes for over 20 years, having overseen the HR and Learning Development function at Runwood Homes from 2003 – 2015 and currently fulfills the role of Business Development Director.

Sarah has always had a passion for supporting people that are living with dementia, believing that the key to good quality dementia care is to see the person first and dementia second, and has naturally progressed as a leader within the industry. Sarah has gained a Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD) qualification, has advanced business operational skills and has obtained first-hand social care understanding and experience in previous roles such as day care centre manager and residential care home manager.

As Business Development Director, Sarah primarily focuses on supporting Runwood Homes’ business operations. Sarah’s hands on approach often sees her enjoying supporting managers and teams within the homes. With her continued interest in dementia care, Sarah also manages and supports the Wellbeing and Dementia Services Team.

Director of Construction & Facilities

Prior to moving into the care sector, Tommy began his working life in a family building business which included his uncles Phil and Gordon Sanders. The acquisition of Stafford Hall care home was the beginning of establishing Runwood Homes Group in the late 1980’s and Stafford Hall remains in the group, which now numbers some 70 homes. Tommy naturally became involved in the construction of new build homes and with architect collaboration he developed a model which has proved to be very successful.

Although he has overall responsibility for overseeing construction work, including both new builds and extensions to acquired homes, the word ‘Construction’ does not cover many aspects of the work that Tommy is involved with. He is also responsible for servicing homes with maintenance, supplies, emergency call out work and the facilities necessary to keep Runwood’s homes running smoothly.

Non-Executive Director

Bill began his career as a messenger in the City of London, progressing in the trading industry to become the youngest member of the London Stock Exchange and a founding member of The London International Financial Futures Exchange.

Throughout his career, Bill has held many senior positions in financial markets, from London to Kuwait, trading and sales trading in currencies, equities and bonds. He has also successfully managed funds for high net worth individuals as well as pension funds for many years. He was rewarded by the securities industry and was made a Fellow back in 2006 and a Freeman of the City of London in 1998.

Bill’s community work includes being Life President of the Stock Exchange Vets, which has raised more than £500k over the last twenty years for various charities and being a Borough Councillor for Castle Point for some 35 years.

After retiring from city life, Bill was invited to join Runwood Homes as a Director to assist in the management of the business, supporting the excellent care delivery of the company.

Director of Dementia Care

Paul has been a Registered Mental Health nurse since 1987, specialising for most of his career in dementia care, including many years as a registered home manager. He has been with the Runwood Group since 2011, leading in the areas of wellbeing, activity and dementia care, more recently focussing exclusively on dementia care. Paul has a wide range of qualifications, skills, personal qualities, and knowledge developed over the years, which help him to achieve his mission – to help people with dementia live well, with the right support. He believes that only through caring, confident, and capable staff teams, this can happen. Paul actively strives to develop the care home teams’ knowledge and skills. As one Dementia Champion said – “When we know more, we can give better care.” Paul is never happier than when he is in the company of residents and staff teams in our care homes, guiding, developing and leading by example.