Staff, friends and colleagues new and old came to wish our CEO Amanda Forshaw farewell as she retires after 16 years at Caritas Care.
Amanda’s journey all began when she saw an advert for Catholic Caring Services (now Caritas Care) for an Assistant Director of Children’s Services responsible for the Children’s Home, Foster Care and Adoption services in 2003 and thought this role was, in her words was ‘right up my street’. Amanda was delighted to have been appointed to this position and later became Director of Services which widened her role across Learning Disabilities.
In 2014 Amanda took up the position of CEO and during this time the charity has grown and developed, with the introduction of new services and partnerships and existing projects that have continued to thrive. Amanda told us she was proud to have led a charity that has changed many lives for the better.
During her send off, Amanda thanked everybody for coming to see her off into her retirement and also for the lovely gifts and messages she has received. She reminisced about old times and took everyone on her journey, reflecting on what had been achieved not only in her 16 years at Caritas Care, but over her career spanning 41 years.
Amanda said, “I’ve talked a lot about the services and their staff today, but none of this could happen without the work of our service delivery and support teams. Thanks to each and every one of you for the essential part you play…we couldn’t achieve any of this without you! So a HUGE thank you to everyone, it is you, our staff, who make this charity what it is
“I hope my reflections on our journey over my 16 years at Caritas Care have helped to illustrate just how fantastic this place is; and I can leave knowing it is in very safe and capable hands with Susan Swarbrick. I wish Susan, my senior leadership colleagues, trustees and each and every one of you all the very best for the journey ahead as a new decade begins”.
Amanda told us she plans to do plenty of travelling, spend time with her family and pick up on her passion of playing the piano.
From everyone at Caritas Care, Happy Retirement Amanda!
