With over 45 years of experience in learning disability nursing, Paul has dedicated his career to enhancing the lives of individuals with Learning Disabilities, Autism, Mental Health conditions, and complex needs. His work spans clinical practice, service development, and strategic leadership, always grounded in compassion and innovation. As Managing Director of PIPS for the past decade, Paul has led the organisation with vision and purpose, championing inclusive, person-centred approaches that place individuals at the heart of their care. During his career he has played a vital role in designing and implementing a wide range of community-based services, Paul’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to dignity, empowerment, and meaningful inclusion.

Interesting fact about Paul: In 1976, Paul won the Northumberland Junior Golf Championship

As Operational Director, Derek brings over 35 years of experience, combining his qualification as a Learning Disability Nurse with 25 years in the NHS and 10 years at PIPS. He has supported individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs in both inpatient and community settings, always championing person-centred care and inclusive practice. A founding member of PIPS, Derek helped shape its vision and continues to lead strategic development and governance with a focus on co-production. His leadership ensures services remain responsive, innovative, and aligned with the needs of those they support. Before joining PIPS, Derek received the NHS Leadership Academy’s Patient Inclusivity Award, recognising his commitment to involving people in shaping their own care. He remains passionate about staff development, fostering a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and excellence throughout the organisation.

Interesting fact about Derek: Derek enjoys crafting hand-stretched pizzas in a traditional wood-fired oven. 

Anthony began his career supporting individuals with Learning Disabilities and Autism in 2011, working as a support worker. In 2016, he qualified as a Learning Disabilities Nurse and gained experience in assessment and treatment services. He joined PIPS in January 2017 as Deputy Team Manager, driven by a commitment to help people transition from long-term hospital placements back into the community, aiming to improve their quality of life.  Anthony was later promoted to Team Manager of our Middlesbrough service in [insert year], and subsequently took on the role of Service Manager in [insert year], where he now oversees services across Stockton, Middlesbrough, and North Yorkshire.  Anthony’s professional development has centred on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), including postgraduate studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and PBS. Anthony actively represents PIPS in various local and regional communities of practice and working groups, contributing to the advancement of PBS both within our organisation and across broader social care services in the region.

Interesting fact about Anthony: Anthony enjoys building Lego in his spare time.

Joanne qualified as a Learning Disability Nurse in 1996 and began her career on a Respite Unit supporting adults with complex needs. From the outset, she developed a strong interest in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), which became a central focus throughout her professional journey.  Joanne progressed to a Trust-wide Behaviour Team, where she deepened her expertise in PBS before transitioning to CAMHS, taking on the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist. Joanne later became Team Manager for a large CAMHS service in Durham, leading multidisciplinary efforts to support young people and their families. Her leadership continued as Community Modern Matron for the Learning Disability Tees Community Teams, where she oversaw service delivery and staff development. She then undertook a secondment to PIPS in 2024 as Service Manager, overseeing PIPS Horden, Hartlepool, Loftus and Coundon services. Joanne’s key areas of professional interest include Positive Behaviour Support, Quality of Life, and the improvement of wellbeing and development of staff across services.

Interesting fact about Joanne: Joanne is interested in health and fitness and has previously taught exercise classes she also used to do competitive Judo and won several competitions.

Aaron joined PIPS in May 2020 as Deputy Team Manager, completing his Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship in 2023 and Level 5 Leadership & Management in 2024. He now leads the Middlesbrough service, managing a team of over 60 staff and supporting 11 service users. Before PIPS, Aaron worked in secure units with individuals with complex needs and Autism. Aaron is a strong role model, promoting positive behaviour and fostering a culture of positivity, accountability, and teamwork.

Interesting Fact about Aaron: Aaron plays bass guitar in a few local bands.

Andrew is a registered learning disability nurse with 25+ years’ experience in community and forensic services. He has held clinical and management roles across the NHS and private sector, supporting individuals with complex mental health needs and challenging behaviours. Passionate about helping people transition from hospital to community life, Andrew joined PIPS in 2015 as a founding Team Manager. He now leads the Loftus team, delivering personalised home and outreach support that promotes independence and access to community life.

Interesting fact about Andrew: When Andrew was younger his first job from leaving school was as a professional footballer for Middlesbrough FC.

Kat has supported people with learning disabilities, Autism, mental health issues, and forensic backgrounds since 1997. Starting as a Support Worker, she progressed to management after earning Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications. She joined PIPS in 2017, became Manager in 2018, and moved to Stockton in 2022. Kat leads 80 staff supporting 6 individuals with complex needs. She holds Level 4 and Level 7 PBS qualifications, delivers safeguarding and leadership training, and is passionate about helping people transition safely from hospital to home.

Interesting fact about Kat: From the ages of 9 to 18, Kat swam competitively all over the country.

Lisa became Team Manager of PIPS’ Horden service in June 2022, leading nearly 50 staff supporting 4 individuals with complex needs. With over 30 years’ experience in learning disability services, she previously worked as an Enterprise Co-ordinator, helping people create user-led businesses. Lisa champions advocacy, inclusion, and fair access to employment for those with learning disabilities and Autism. She holds a CMI Level 5 in Leadership and Management and a Level 6 in Leading PBS, blending strategic leadership with person-centred care.

James has spent over 25 years working for the NHS, as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, rising from Staff Nurse to Modern Matron in Adult Acute Psychiatric Services. James joined PIPS from the NHS in July 2017 and until recently managed our Catterick Service ensuring that the service provided support and guidance whilst promoting independence.   James is now applying his wealth of knowledge and experience as our Quality and Assurance Officer ensuring our managers are supported and our services are performing to their highest standards.  James regularly contributes to our Safety meetings and feeds back to our Senior Management Team.

Interesting Fact about James: James likes most sports although he is no longer an active participant, he says he is more of an armchair follower.

Karen joined PIPS in November 2016 as a Team Manager in our Stockton Service, a Learning Disability nurse with over 40 years’ experience, Karen has worked with individuals in hospitals and inpatient settings and when joining PIPS in a social care setting supporting people in their own tenancies.  Karen is an advocate for a person-centred approach actively supporting individuals to lead a good quality fulfilling life.  Karen now delivers PIPS Person Centred Active Support Training to staff which includes person centred approaches, raising awareness of Autism, the 7 keys to citizenship and also provides support to individuals to formulate person centred plans.

Interesting Fact about Karen: Karens main hobby is playing bowls, she plays for a local team as well as being selected to play for Yorkshire.  Karen also supports athletes representing the Special Olympics to develop their bowling skills.

Steve qualified as a Learning Disability Nurse in 1995 and spent his early career in health and social care working in children’s respite and direct intensive direct support.  He then went on to work for the NHS were he was introduced to the core principles of the Positive Behavour Support PBS framework in 2006, Steve has said that at it was that point he knew what we had to focus on and has done ever since.  He gained a degree in PBS in 2010 and a post graduate certificate in Leading PBS in 2020.  Steve became a PBS Practitioner for the NHS and joined PIPS in 2022 as our PBS Trainer.  Steves passionate about wanting to represent and advocate on behalf of those whose voices are usually ignored.

Interesting fact about Steve: Steve saved a pelican’s life whilst camping in Byron Bay, Australia.