Tom is a Consultant and Non-Executive Director with over three decades of experience in children's residential care.

 

With a particular focus on providing specialised support for young people struggling with mental health issues, his career has been marked by a commitment to improving outcomes for children in care and a passion for innovative approaches to service delivery.

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​Initially working directly with young people in the third sector, Tom became the director of a specialist provider for survivors of severe sexual abuse in 2004. He subsequently held senior leadership positions with several specialist providers of children's residential care, where he developed a reputation for turning around failing services and introducing therapeutic approaches into traditional care models.

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​​Between 2014 and 2022, Tom played a key role in the leadership of Young Foundations, a national organisation providing residential care, education, and clinical support for young people leaving Tier 4 CAMHS care. Under his leadership, Young Foundations doubled in size and received prestigious awards for its innovative hybrid clinical/social care model.

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In late 2022, Tom founded his Consultancy practice to work with local authorities, the third sector, and independent providers to improve outcomes for children in residential care. His extensive experience and expertise in the field make him a valuable asset to organisations seeking to enhance their services and support for vulnerable young people.

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Tom holds a BPS approved degree in Psychology, a Master Degree in Psychoanalytic Observational Studies and post-graduate qualifications in both Management Studies and Strategic Management. His academic background, coupled with his practical experience, provides him with a strong foundation for his work in improving children's residential care.

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Current roles include:

• Non-Executive Chair at AMMA Childcare Ltd

• Non-Executive Director at Cedars Childcare Ltd

• Non-Executive Director at Empathy CIC

• Member of the Advisory Board at Approach Education Ltd

• Associate with Patrick Tomlinson Associates

• Associate Contributor to the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care

• Business Mentor with GM Business Growth Hub

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In 2025 Tom developed Elevate Professional Development which delivers workshops and training events across the UK on matters relating to leadership and people development within children's residential care.