OUR PEOPLE:
THE HEART OF CRYSTAL CARE

Our strength lies in our people — a deeply committed team with strong local relationships and a shared values-led culture. We don’t just fill roles; we empower our staff to be the ambassadors of safe, caring futures for every young person in our homes.  

We are committed to being the employer of choice in the care sector by investing heavily in the people who drive our mission forward.We provide weekly clinical supervision and bespoke training tailored to the specific needs of the children in our care.

Our Leadership Philosophy: In an industry often defined by high turnover, Crystal Care Solutions stands apart through longevity and legacy. Our Senior Management Team and Registered Managers aren’t just overseeing operations—they are the mentors guiding the next generation of care pioneers.

We encourage every team member to take personal responsibility and act with a sense of urgency, as if the business and its outcomes were their own.

Our Front-Line Heroes: We believe the most impactful decisions are made on the ground. We are driven by a deep commitment to our active, day-to-day care environments, ensuring that the insights and feedback from those closest to our children and young people directly shape our overall strategy.

Radical Transparency: We foster a culture of psychological safety where team members are encouraged to share mistakes, challenge ideas constructively, and support one another without fear of judgment.

Collective Pride: We celebrate mission-led wins and professional progress, ensuring every employee understands how their specific role contributes to our visionary goal of redefining care.

JOIN OUR VISION

JAMES O’LEARY - CEO

James was present at the inception of crystal care solutions in 2008 and has played a pivotal role in the organisation’s success ever since. Bringing a wealth of experience in residential care, offender management and youth work, James achieved Ofsted Outstanding Provider status as a Registered Manager across multiple children’s homes before becoming Director and Responsible Individual in 2012 and going on to found the three distinct specialist service types provided today. Since then, James has led sustained organisational growth, driving continuous improvement and service excellence across Crystal Care Solutions.

National-level discipline: A former national skier who brings elite focus to our high-end environments.

Kevin joined Crystal Care Solutions in 2007 and became a Director in 2012. Having held a range of senior roles including Finance Director, Quality Assurance Manager and operational management positions, Kevin brings a holistic understanding of the organisation. His extensive experience enabled him to lead the transformation of financial monitoring systems. Working alongside the Chief Executive Officer they have overseen an extended period of sustainable growth and long-term financial stability. From September 2025 Kevin has transitioned into the position of Chief Operating Officer to assist Crystal Care in achieving its future goals.

Precision and versatility: A hole-in-one golfer who enjoys the challenge of juggling.

KEVIN HARGREAVES - COO

Rob brings over two decades of experience as a qualified accountant, with a strong track record across multiple sectors. His career includes senior leadership roles within fast‑growing children’s care organisations, where he supported strategic growth and operational excellence. Rob’s broad expertise provides a deep understanding of financial management, governance and the demands of expanding organisations, and he is passionate about driving sustainable growth and strong financial stewardship.

Driven by endurance: A dedicated long-distance and Tough Mudder runner who consistently pushes himself to raise funds for charity.

ROBERT CHAPMAN - CFO

Paul joined the organisation in 2009, beginning his career as a Residential Care Worker and progressing through a range of operational and leadership roles to his current senior position. He has an excellent inspection track record, including achieving Outstanding as a Registered Manager. Paul now oversees all Children’s Homes providing residential care for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, holding Responsible Individual responsibilities and line‑managing all Registered Managers within this service. Highly qualified, Paul holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Care Management, NVQ Levels 3 and 4 in Care for Children and Young People, is a Designated Safeguarding Lead, and is IOSH certified.

Strategic leadership: A multi-year Fantasy Football champion who has carried out specialist dog training in Cyprus Army barracks.

PAUL CALLEAR
Service Manager (Residential)

CHARLOTTE WALKER-
Head of HR

Charlotte joined Crystal Care Solutions Ltd in May 2016, bringing over eight years’ experience from an Employment Law and Health & Safety consultancy. CIPD qualified and IOSH certified, Charlotte leads the HR function as Head of HR, providing expert guidance across the full employee lifecycle, overseeing safer recruitment and ensuring legislative compliance. She also plays a key strategic role in supporting organisational growth, contributing to workforce planning, leadership development, and people strategies that align HR with the company’s long‑term vision and expansion objectives.

A builder of foundations: Balancing the precision of Reformer Pilates with a passion for renovation.

Kelly Jones joined Crystal Care Solutions in 2018, initially as QA Manager delivering Regulation 44 visits and reporting, before progressing into the role of Therapeutic Service Manager. With experience in residential childcare since 2007, Kelly has worked across a wide range of specialist settings, supporting children and young people with complex needs. She is highly qualified, holding a Level 5 Diploma in Residential Management, safeguarding and therapeutic training, and IOSH certification, and brings strong expertise in quality assurance, safeguarding and staff development.

Culturally connected: A fluent Welsh speaker and former competitive showjumper defined by coordination and heritage.

KELLY JONES
Service Manager (Therapeutic)

NICOLA GEAGEN
Service Manager (Supported Accomodation)

As Service Manager and Nominated Individual since 2013, Nicola draws on decades of expertise across complex care needs to lead our Care Leaving Service with visionary empathy. Holding an MSc in Business Management and advanced safeguarding credentials, she mentors our teams to ensure a secure foundation for young people transitioning toward independence. Nicola is also a Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Care Leaving Service.

Adventurous spirit: A former Judo athlete once scouted for a Hollywood talk show while walking the iconic Boulevard of Fame.

ANNA UNSWORTH
Quality Assurance Manager

Anna Unsworth joined Crystal Care Solutions in January 2021 and is the QA Manager responsible for overseeing Regulation 44 visits across the organisation. With residential childcare experience since 2009, Anna has progressed from Residential Care Worker to Registered Manager, managing a range of provisions including EBD, CSE and SHB services. She is highly qualified, holding a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Children and Young People, a Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Childcare, and is a qualified A1 Level 3 Diploma Assessor.

A bedrock of support: A three-time charity athlete who has conquered the London to Brighton cycle, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and open-water swims.Completed the London to Brighton bike ride twice, the Yorkshire 3 peaks and Mile open water swim all for charitable causes.

TALIESIN DURRANT - Estates Manager

As Estates Manager, Tali utilises his unique background in high-pressure environments, building renovations, and rope access to oversee site operations with disciplined excellence. By progressing from Maintenance Coordinator, he ensures safety and compliance are seamlessly integrated across all locations, creating a secure foundation that protects our physical environments and supports our visionary movement.

A recipe for precision: Balancing the fast-paced discipline of a former professional chef with a lifelong love for building and renovation.

PAULA KANE - Chairperson

Paula Kane is a qualified Social Worker (BSc Hons, CQSW) with over 25 years’ experience in residential childcare, safeguarding and senior leadership. Beginning her career in Child Protection Services, she went on to hold senior leadership roles, including Head of Care for multiple independent children’s homes. In 1998, Paula founded Ashdale Care Ireland, growing it into the country’s first specialist residential childcare organisation and expanding services nationally. Her leadership experience has driven high‑quality, child‑centred care, strong governance and improved outcomes for vulnerable young people.

  • "I feel that we all work well as a team and all know our roles well"

    Residential Care Worker, Shandon

  • "I have had the opportunity to grow and develop my career at Crystal Care Solutions, progressing from a RCW to a dual registered manager, thanks to the unwavering support from both the service manager and the incredible team around me. The company fosters a healthy work-life balance, and the workplace environment is consistently positive and encouraging."

    Dual Care Manager, North Wales (Sept 2024)

  • "No two working days are the same. You can be attending meetings, writing reports or out playing football. Face to face and online training is provided... it gives a great sense of satisfaction when children move on into independence."

    Team Leader, Staffordshire (Nov 2024)