Kathryn Marsden OBE, Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), will step down from her role at the end of February 2026 after almost six years at the helm.
Kathryn joined SCIE in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her direction, SCIE has renewed its strategic focus, steadied its business operations and established itself as a leading voice in social care – collaborating and innovating to improve lives.
Kathryn’s 36-year career in social care has been characterised by her passion and commitment to the people who draw on care and support. Whether debating policy reforms, promoting evidence to improve services, or raising awareness of inequalities in access and care experiences, she has championed co-production as the golden thread for supporting people to live their best lives. Kathryn’s commitment was recognised when she was awarded an OBE for Services to Social Care in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List 2025.
Kathryn will take up the position of Chief Executive at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity.
SCIE’s Board of Trustees have appointed Gerard Crofton-Martin as Interim Chief Executive, who will take up the position after Kathryn’s departure.
Gerard joined SCIE in 2020 and most recently served as Director of Transformation and Improvement. Gerard has led multimillion-pound work programmes supporting local authorities and Government Departments with adult social care improvement and transformation, workforce development and knowledge management.
Gerard has over 25 years of experience working in the statutory and charity sector. Before joining SCIE, Gerard was Director of Strategy, Impact and Transformation at Independent Age and before that was Director of Quality and Evidence at Healthwatch England within the Care Quality Commission.
Rt. Hon. Paul Burstow, Chair of SCIE’s Board, said: “On behalf of SCIE, I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to Kathryn for her unparalleled dedication and hard work.
“Kathryn's impact on SCIE and the wider sector has been profound. In every sense, she has led with both head and heart, and SCIE is stronger, more influential, and more future-ready because of her.
“As we look to the future, we are delighted to welcome Gerard into the role of Interim Chief Executive. Gerard brings a wealth of experience to the role and has been central to championing our mission, keeping people who draw upon care and support at the heart of what we do. I look forward to working with him as we continue on this mission.”
Kathryn Marsden OBE, Chief Executive at SCIE, said: “I am leaving SCIE incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve together over the last six years. Being SCIE’s Chief Executive has been a great privilege - affording me the opportunity to shape the future of social care for the better and to speak truth to power. I leave grateful for the part I was able to play in enabling people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives.
“SCIE’s vision and mission remain unchanged. I feel confident that, having left the charity in good health, it will continue to thrive. I know Paul and Gerard will ensure that SCIE continues on its journey to improve social care for adults and children.”
