Caring, qualified and committed
Our team is highly qualified, committed and experienced. Our staff are trained and committed to supporting individuals with a range of complex needs including associated challenging behaviours.
We also have experience in supporting adults with autism spectrum conditions and learning disabilities. We pride ourselves on the ethos of ‘Ordinary Life Principles’ where we support individuals in a bespoke and holistic way, assisting them in taking part and learning new skills in each area of daily living through specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely targets. These aims are in line with a person-centred care plan. We also offer a ‘step down’ service to less supported environments in small houses and bungalows for future living. We support individuals with the aims and outcomes of their care plans in order to achieve these goals in a safe and planned way.
Our staff team are committed and work hard to ensure that they create a bond with service users to meet all their needs and security. We provide Personal, Health and Social Education (PHSE) tailored for the individuals’ needs.
Our staff are recruited, supported and trained to:
- Treat people with dignity and respect
- Focus on people’s potential and strengths
- Value each person as a unique individual
- Listen non-judgementally to people’s experiences
- Be genuinely concerned for the person’s wellbeing
- Be creative and innovative when supporting someone to realise their potential.
All staff are trained through the nationally recognised Care Certificate within their first twelve weeks of employment. This is supported by service-specific induction and enrolment onto the health and social care diploma programme. Mandatory and specialist training is provided to the team and updated regularly through a combination of face-to-face training and e-learning.
Laura Gilbert
Operations Lead and Nominated Individual
Laura is our Operations Lead and Nominated Individual, overseeing the overall running and performance of the business. With 19 years of experience in the care sector, she brings extensive knowledge and a strong commitment to high-quality, person-centred support. Laura is known for her supportive and compassionate approach, balanced with a clear and consistent leadership style that promotes fairness, accountability, and high standards across the organisation. At the heart of her work is a strong commitment to upholding Ordinary Life Principles, ensuring these core values shape every aspect of the service — from everyday interactions to strategic decision‑making.
Care
Kelly Peach
Rowan and Lilac Registered Manager
Kelly has worked for Innova House for over 13 years, achieving her Level 5 in Leadership and Management and progressing to Registered Care Manager across two sites. Her early career supporting children’s education and development provided a strong foundation that she has successfully transferred into supporting adults with complex needs. Kelly takes a hands-on approach, valuing each person as an individual and focusing on progression and independence to enhance quality of life. Her attention to detail and organisational skills also support quality assurance across the service, helping to maintain the highest standards of care delivery.
Lee Rhodes
Woodlands Registered Manager
Lee is our Registered Manager, joining the organisation in 2023 with over 25 years of experience in the care sector. His background spans mental health, brain injury, residential, and domiciliary services, giving him a broad and practical understanding of complex care needs. Lee is committed to maintaining high standards of support through steady leadership, team development, and a focus on person-centred care.
Claire Hodgkinson
Elm and Indigo Registered Manager
Claire is our Registered Manager, joining the organisation in 2022 with over 30 years of experience in the care sector. With a degree in Psychology, she brings a strong understanding of behaviour, wellbeing, and person-centred support. Claire is deeply dedicated to her residents and staff team and is passionate about the services she leads. She supports her team with warmth and professionalism to deliver consistently high standards of care.
Jennifer Kirby
Innova Care Manager
Jennifer Kirby began her journey with us as a Support Worker in 2015 and has progressed through the organisation to her current role as Care Manager. Her hands-on experience across different roles gives her a strong understanding of both staff and the people we support. Jennifer is approachable, knowledgeable, and committed to maintaining high standards of care through practical leadership and team support. With a proven track record of successfully enabling individuals with complex needs to transition into less supported environments, Jen consistently demonstrates her commitment to goal-orientated, outcomes-driven care. Her approach combines compassion, professionalism, and strategic insight – ensuring that every person she works with is supported to reach their full potential.
Celine Rowston
Woodlands Assistant Manager
Celine is our Assistant Manager at Woodlands, having started with us as a Support Worker five years ago and progressing through the ranks. Her hands-on experience across different roles gives her a practical understanding of both staff and residents’ needs. Celine brings energy and enthusiasm to her role, fostering a positive environment and supporting the continued growth of her team.
Lauren Garner
Elm and Indigo Assistant Manager
Lauren is Assistant Manager for Elm and Indigo, having started with us as a Support Worker before recently stepping into her current role. She is confident and personable, fostering strong relationships with both staff and residents. Lauren is dedicated to supporting her team and ensuring a high standard of care. She encourages a positive and collaborative environment, helping staff grow and thrive. Her commitment and enthusiasm make her a valued part of the leadership team.
Support
Bernice Taylor
Finance and Sustainability Lead
Bernice is our Finance and Sustainability Lead, having started as a self-employed bookkeeper with Innova eight years ago before joining full-time in 2024. She brings extensive financial expertise, ensuring robust management and oversight across the organisation. Bernice is passionate about sustainability, embedding environmentally responsible practices across our sites in ways that also enhance the lives of our staff, residents, and the wider local community.
Karl Pearson
Maintenance Manager
Karl, our Maintenance Manager, joined the team in 2022, bringing a passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement. Since then, he has successfully built and developed the maintenance function from the ground up. Karl now leads a dedicated team of four, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently. His hands-on approach and commitment make him a key part of the business.
Toni Boughen
HR Administrator
Toni is our HR Administrator, supporting the team with all aspects of human resources and employee management. She is organised, reliable, and ensures smooth HR processes across the organisation. Toni is dedicated to supporting staff, fostering a positive workplace, and helping maintain a culture of fairness and professional development.
Amy Gregory
Business Administrator
Amy is our Business Administrator, managing the organisation’s administrative and operational tasks with efficiency and precision. She brings a proactive approach to problem-solving and helps keep processes running smoothly across the business. Amy plays a key role in supporting the team and ensuring the organisation operates effectively and seamlessly.
Jahnay Tucker
Finance Administrator
Jahnay is our Finance Administrator, working alongside Bernice to support the organisation’s financial operations and reporting. She is detail-oriented and methodical, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all finance-related tasks. Jahnay plays a key role in managing payroll and streamlining financial processes to keep the team running smoothly and efficiently.
