Our People - Catherine Care

Sharron Keown

Director

Sharron Keown graduated with a degree in Psychology in 2007 and carries with her many years of experience of working with people with a learning disability as well as a deep interest in learning disability services.

Sharron has a vast array of experience, training and qualifications, including Leadership & Management in Care Level 4, Prince 2 in Project Management, and has completed level 7 in Health & Social Care Management. Sharron has also been involved in setting up and the development of disability-focused organizations, including working as Operations Manager for a charity.

She has worked in services providing direct support and as a manager of a supported living unit for people with learning disabilities, mental health problems and challenging behaviour, alongside being a carer herself to a family member with learning difficulties.

Jim Keown

Director

Jim Keown has a consistent track record of innovative, creative and effective leadership in NHS, Social Services, two Independent Hospital Groups, and, more recently, as a senior manager of a large international charity.

His most recent position was challenging as he managed to transform the local branch of the charity from ‘significantly failing’ to a position where the Mayor of Dudley awarded it ‘the best service in Dudley’ within 2 years. Before he left in 2013, he managed to merge two local charities and left the new joint venture ‘safe’, financially sound, and with the strong support of client families and the general public, who contributed almost £900,000 to the developments.

Jim brings together the expertise of clinical management positions with his determination to help lead the development of Catherine Care, where vulnerable individuals, regardless of ability or challenges, can receive safe and effective opportunities.