Kathryn Marsden OBE, chief executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), will step down from her role at the end of next month after almost six years at the helm.
Marsden joined SCIE in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and, 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.
Masrden’s 36-year career in social care has been characterised by her passion and commitment to the people who draw on care and support.
Whether debating policy reforms, promoting evidence to improve services, or raising awareness of inequalities in access and care experiences, she has championed co-production as the golden thread for supporting people to live their best lives.
And her 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.
Following her departure, she will take up the position of chief executive at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity.
SCIE’s Board of Trustees has appointed Gerard Crofton-Martin as interim chief executive.
He joined SCIE in 2020 and most recently served as director of transformation and improvement.
With over 25 years of experience working in the statutory and charity sector, he was previously director of strategy, impact and transformation at Independent Age and before that was director of quality and evidence at Healthwatch England within the Care Quality Commission.
Paul Burstow, chair of the SCIE 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 and 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.”