Carol Gaskarth, Chief Executive of award winning health and wellbeing Charity Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), was overwhelmed and humbled to find out that she has been shortlisted as a finalist for this year’s North East Charity Awards, Charity Leader of the Year. An annual event that celebrates the achievements of the regions hard working charities and individual fundraisers, while increasing awareness of the voluntary sector and celebrating those who work tirelessly to support the many good causes in the region.

Amongst much subterfuge Carol was nominated by her fellow Senior Managers and endorsed by members of Options, a Day Service for adults with learning and physical disabilities and local Member of Parliament, Phil Wilson. While coming as a surprise to Carol, those who work with and are supported by Carol were only too happy to share their views, on the tireless work ethic, that not only ensures PCP delivers its mission aims and objectives, ‘Health, Wellbeing and Learning for All’, but supports the wider community and is an invaluable source of support and information. Comments highlighted, Carol’s genuine interest in the unique qualities of individuals and how she often spends time connecting with individual PCP staff/staff teams, volunteers and client groups, taking the time to get to know them, understand their needs and helping individuals to achieve their personal best!

Carol, from Newton Aycliffe, joined PCP in 2002 as a Project Co-ordinator and progressed due to her to extensive experience, knowledge and passion to the role of Chief Executive in 2013. PCP has benefitted from consistent and clear leadership from a CEO with sound knowledge of the sector, a strong external reputation and a philosophy of partnership which has led to a welcomed period of sustained growth and development for the organisation, which has seen PCP achieve national recognition, including the Queens Awards for Voluntary Service.

Upon finding out about that Carol has been shortlisted to the final 3.

For further information about PCP please contact us at the Pioneering Care Centre, Carer’s Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4SF tel: 01325 321234 email: enquiries@pcp.uk.net website: www.pcp.uk.net. Or follow PCP on Twitter: @PioneeringCare and Facebook: @PCPandCentre