The Social Care Institute for Excellence’s Chief Executive, Kathryn Marsden OBE, Announces Departure
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 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. This commitment will remain SCIE’s beating heart as we build on her remarkable legacy.
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.
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.
“She has been the architect of SCIE’s organisational turnaround, restoring financial stability and ensuring its future sustainability. SCIE is now in a position to move from strength to strength and focus on delivering our mission of supporting best practice, shaping policy and raising awareness of the importance of social care.
“With her thoughtful, authoritative voice, Kathryn has become a highly respected leader and a trusted convenor within the care sector. She has strengthened SCIE’s reputation as a constructive partner, shaping national conversations and building alliances that reflect our values and purpose.
“Her leadership during the pandemic demonstrated SCIE at its best: responsive, authoritative and deeply connected to sector needs. Standing up the National COVID-19 Hub at pace and supporting local systems through the crisis was a testament to her steadiness and her values.
“I wish Kathryn every success in this next chapter. I have greatly valued—and genuinely enjoyed—working with her, and I know her impact will continue to be felt at SCIE long after her departure.
“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.
“I will greatly miss the many colleagues, social care leaders and frontline professionals I have been lucky enough to work alongside. Diverse and dynamic, committed and resilient, they share my passions for improvement and innovation in social care.
“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.”
