Meet The Team

Judith has 38 years’ experience in local government children’s services. Prior to joining Sunbridge, she was the Director of Children's Education and Skills In Newcastle City Council. Judith received an OBE in 2018 for Services to Child Protection in North Yorkshire where she was Assistant Director for 8 years. This culminated in the Local Authority becoming the first in the sector to receive Ofsted ratings of Outstanding across the board. She has received numerous awards in media, innovation and transforming culture, including runner up in the Guardian Newspaper public servant awards. Judith has a BSC in Government and Public Policy, an MSC in Systemic management, is a qualified Social worker and practice teacher and has a diploma in Chartered Institute of management. Judith is passionate about transforming the lives of young people and families.

Mike is an experienced business professional with over 30 years of experience. Mike became a financial advisor in 1990, spending 10 years as a tied agent for a large insurance company. He was instrumental in the formation of Lighthouse IFA (Essex) Ltd in 2000 and helped shape the business into a successful model by 2005. Mike’s brings his broad business skills, expert marketing and capital raising capabilities to Sunbridge. He is responsible for business development and Investor relations. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Stephen started his career in media and held a number of senior positions at Channel 4 Television and Film Four Films. He then founded a leading alternative asset firm where he was the Chief Operating Officer. Stephen most recently founded Daedalus Partners in 2011 an FCA regulated fund management / corporate finance advisory business, which has raised an deployed over £150M of capital. The investments are across a wide range of asset classes which include:- Restaurants, Drinks, Driverless Cars, Ed Tech, Property, Media and HealthCare Stephen is graduate from Durham University in 1990. Stephen is a qualified Chartered Accountant, has an MBA from CASS Business School and is also a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. Stephen is responsible for Sunbridge's financial oversight, strategy and managing its contractual relationships with its operator and customers.

Nick Astaire is a corporate advisor, financier, investor, and business leader with over 20 years of experience in growth businesses. He has extensive experience in real estate investment, development, finance and planning. He takes primary responsibility over managing the Company's property portfolio, especially securing and obtaining planning consent for new homes.

Paul has Over 25 years' experience working in the children’s sector, within schools, early help, child protection and residential placements. Throughout this time working with individuals with emotional and behavioural disorders, learning difficulties and Autism along with other health needs.  He has 10 years’ experience of working in a managerial capacity after progressing from being a social worker to senior social worker then as a team a manger in early help.  He then progressed as a team manager in child protection and then looked after children before becoming a service manager in 2016. His last post before joining Sunbridge was Head of Corporate Parenting with Newcastle local authority.  Paul started working for Sunbridge Childcare in January 2023 as the Head of Operations and Responsible Individual. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Melanie has worked in residential childcare for over 17 years, in which time she has worked extensively across both the private and public sector. She has spent the last ten years working in a leadership position specialising in children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Melanie has participated in various management training and development workshops including supervising and mentoring staff, utilising the supervision forum to share a wealth of knowledge as well as training to deliver safeguarding training with her previous employer. Melanie has constantly progressed with her professional development, and she has successfully gained NVQ level 3 Children and Young People, NVQ level 3 Business Administration as well as a Diploma Level 5 in Leadership and Management. Melanie joined Sunbridge Childcare in May 2023 as a Registered Manager.

Allen has spent his life in a social care environment, having grown up in a family that regularly fostered children. He has worked with children since 2008, initially as a youth worker before entering into residential children's care ten years ago. Having spend 4 years working within secure accomodation he moved to Newcastle City Council where he quickly progressed into the role of Registered Manager. Allen has a Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare, a Level 3 NVQ in residential childcare and several safeguarding and health and seafety certifications.

Rachael has 15 years’ experience in the children’s sector. She started her career as a Residential Support Worker and developed into a Senior Worker and Deputy Manager over 11 years. She has been a Registered Manager for almost 7 years. Throughout her career she has continued to study in line with her personal development and she has achieved NVQ level 3 in Children and Young People and a Diploma Level 5 in Leadership and Management. She is also a Train the Trainer for Child Sexual Exploitation.

Charlotte has worked with children and young people for over 14 years, 6 of which have been in management roles. Over the years she has continued to study in line with her personal development and she has achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, BA Hons Childhood, Youth and Early Years and then progressed to pass her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare. Charlotte has recent experience working as part of a Long-Term Team within Children's Services.