Les has worked in social care in one form or another since the age of 16. He started on this career path because he had a brother with disabilities who Les looked after, so it felt like a natural place for him to be. 

Les spent a long time in learning disability services supporting vulnerable adults and some of this time working with the Royal National Institute for the Deaf. As a result, Les can use sign language. Les achieved his first manager role at the age of 30, nearly 25 years ago, and he has been managing ever since. 

He made the decision to move to elderly care after his wife, Tara, joined OSJCT back in 2017. She has been a carer for 40 years. Tara told Les about some management vacancies, so he applied as he loved our values and approach to care and support. 

After a break where Les held other senior management roles, last year he decided that he missed OSJCT, and came back as the manager of Avon Court. 

Les says of Avon Court, “I love the team, and the residents are wonderful; every day we find out something amazing about someone, and I never get tired of learning about everyone’s lives and experiences.”

Les has been married to Tara for 25 years in June 2025. He has two grown up sons, one who is amazing with computers and built his own, and one who is learning Japanese. 

In his spare time, he plays guitar and has done since he was 12. After nearly 40 years, he considers himself consistently average! (And no, he doesn’t do requests…).

If you are thinking about care and support for your loved one and want to come and look around Avon Court, call Les on 01722 429400 to arrange a showround or just have a chat.