Addressing Modern Slavery in the UK’s Care Industry: A Call for Change

George arrives at Palm Cove Society with a background not only in policing but also in supporting adult offenders in the community and within probation hostels. For the past 10 years, George has served as a police officer, specialising in organised crime, human trafficking, and county lines investigations. His focus has been on protecting vulnerable individuals caught up in these operations and disrupting criminal activities.

As our new Head of Safeguarding, George will oversee all safeguarding issues, ensuring that our clients receive the appropriate care and protection. He approaches these matters with both robustness and compassion. George collaborates with internal and external organisations to provide the best possible care for our clients.

George is a committed and enthusiastic advocate for a strong safeguarding approach, drawing upon his extensive prior experience to facilitate this mission.

With over 12 years of expertise spanning homelessness services, substance misuse, working with perpetrators of domestic and sexual abuse within a criminal justice setting.  Marti brings invaluable insight to our team. Marti holds degrees in Criminology with Criminal Psychotherapy from Essex University and Forensic Psychology from Derby University.

As our Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager, Marti plays a crucial role in ensuring the utmost care and protection for our clients. This includes co-leading the development of robust safeguarding policies, offering guidance on complex issues, and fostering collaboration across services to enhance client support. Marti also supports staff in safeguarding practices and promoting clients wellbeing, fostering a secure and supportive environment. Marti’s commitment is integral to our mission of creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for all clients at Palm Cove Society.

In her role as Operations Manager for Palm Cove Society, Estelle is responsible for managing day-to-day operations within the organisation. Her role involves planning and implementing processes and procedures to improve quality, productivity and performance. In addition, Estelle’s role also includes the recruitment and management of staff.  Estelle works closely supporting our service managers who run our safehouses and outreach services and works in collaboration with Shilpa to ensure we deliver the best level of service to all clients and stakeholders.

Gerard Stocks is the Co- Founder and a Director of Palm Cove Society. Gerard has a financial background and has a logical and methodical approach in the workplace. Gerard is an entrepreneur who likes to help and empower people to be the best that they can be or want to be.

Palm Cove Society was incorporated on the 9^{th of} March 2007 and from a standing start assisted the Founder of Palm Cove Society to build a company that has supported thousands of people throughout the years. Currently the organisation provides employment to 85 full time workers and is currently supporting 450 individuals (including children) daily.

Gerard is proud to have helped make a positive difference to people from over 100 countries. Gerard still has the appetite to grow the company further as it seeks to explore expansion by increasing the portfolio of Palm Cove Society nationally and internationally.

For the past 17 years, Yvonne Stocks DL has been the driving force behind the social enterprise ‘Palm Cove Society’ Community Interest Company, and is committed to the safeguarding, support and advocacy of vulnerable persons and survivors of abuse or crime,

As a social entrepreneur, Yvonne has many attributes that include business savviness, a 1^st Class BSc Honours degree in Midwifery Studies and 23 years’ experience in social care. Committed to the provision of relevant and appropriate services for vulnerable persons and survivors of abuse or crime, by utilising a keen business sense, Yvonne works tirelessly to foster constructive collaborations with colleagues in partner agencies such as law enforcement, health services, local and central government, universities, faith groups, non-government organisations, charities and various like-minded individuals to raise awareness that inform research and policy. This ensures survivor related facilities are easily accessible where vulnerable persons and survivors of abuse or crime can be safely accommodated, supported and successfully reintegrated into communities.

Yvonne works tirelessly, stealthily and with purpose on behalf of service users and vulnerable persons to make their lives better. Yvonne cites “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others” Nelson Mandela.

As Finance Director, Michelle provides the company financial information needed to assist the Board when making decisions towards the company strategic plans and visions. 

As it is imperative that the financial records are accurate for reporting and filing purposes, Michelle oversees the day-to-day recording and monitoring of the financial transactions and information processed.  Another important part of her role is being responsible for the processing of the monthly payroll

As Finance Director, Michelle provides the company financial information needed to assist the Board when making decisions towards the company strategic plans and visions. 

As it is imperative that the financial records are accurate for reporting and filing purposes, Michelle oversees the day-to-day recording and monitoring of the financial transactions and information processed.  Another important part of her role is being responsible for the processing of the monthly payroll

Karl has a background in community regeneration – supporting communities particularly affected by economic and social disadvantage, and has worked in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

He is the Director of UK, International, Enterprise and Enrichment initiatives. His role includes working with a wide range of external organisations and key stakeholder bodies to develop new and complimentary projects across his portfolio of responsibilities. His role as an Executive Director also includes joint oversight and management of the company.

In her role as Director of Operations for Palm Cove Society, Shilpa is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations alongside tactical and strategic aspects of the organisation. Her role requires close collaboration with our CEO, the rest of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and the Board to maintain an efficient and sustainable delivery model. This involves developing long-term operational strategies, including our vision for the future.

Shilpa’s role is pivotal, as it sits at the heart of the organisation, providing services with a keen focus on our clients and stakeholders. Prioritising a comprehensive consideration of all factors that impact the organisation’s success, Shilpa ensures we deliver the best level of service to all clients and stakeholders.

Before taking on this position, Shilpa held Senior Leadership roles in both commercial and charitable sectors.