Since 2008 our Chief Executive, Paul Allen, has been responsible for Abbeyfield's overall leadership, strategic direction, management and performance.

Paul brings a wealth of leadership, strategy and customer service skills and experience to Abbeyfield. Prior to joining Abbeyfield Paul served as Deputy Chief Executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust in Reading. He has also worked as Managing Director of ABP Connect, a subsidiary of Associated British Ports Holdings plc, and held senior managerial positions with Exel plc, Mars Inc. and ICI plc.

Paul's main objectives are to promote the values of the Abbeyfield movement, raise the profile of the organisation and further develop its volunteer corps to ensure that Abbeyfield becomes a leading provider of supported sheltered housing and care homes to older people.

Paul will be looking to influence Government to consider the complete needs of older people and particularly to address the issue of loneliness, when developing housing policy. 

One of Paul's key priorities is the need to address the concerns of volunteers.  Paul says "We want to recognise and re-emphasise the commitment of the organisation to our volunteers and vice-versa.  We need to find different ways of engaging with and stimulating our volunteer workforce.  I want to ensure they are fulfilled and valued."

The way in which Paul intends to lead Abbeyfield can be summarised in one phrase - a focus on traditional values combined with modern and forward looking professionalism.

Value, People, Teams and Leadership are what makes an organisation strong, if all commit to the ethos.