Julian Fletcher (Independent Member, Choices Board)

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Independent Board Member - Choices Board

Julian Fletcher has graduate and post-graduate degrees in Sociology and in Social Administration and is also a qualified social worker. His career however has been spent principally in the delivery of social care services for people who need assistance in their lives, especially elderly people and those living with dementia, and adults with learning disabilities.

Half of his career has been with Local Authorities and half within the independent sector. As a Manager of a residential care home, he pioneered care practice that individualised the support offered and which enabled people to live with independence and dignity even within care settings, and which was recognised nationally. His belief has always been that every care service should actively enhance the person’s happiness and quality of life. He went on to manage groups of services before becoming Director of Care and then Chief Executive of the Fremantle Trust, based in Buckinghamshire.

One of the great satisfactions of his career has been to see these enlightened care services replace bleak institutional care practices of his youth, though more remains to be done.

As Chief Executive, Julian took a lead in strategic planning, initiating the transformation of the Fremantle portfolio of properties, in financial management, and in managing human resources (c2,000 staff). Meanwhile he did not lose his passion for care practice and taught extensively. Subsequently, Julian has used his experience in governance roles in medium and large care and housing organisations as a Director and as Chair, driven by the same values that have guided his career.

Julian has been a member of the Choices Board since 2012.