Chair: David Sargent, Real Life Options Group

 

David is the Group CEO for Real Life Options, a UK charity providing support for autistic people, people with learning disabilities and older people. David is passionate about supporting vulnerable people to live their lives in communities with dignity and choice. David’s extensive leadership experience is within social care, youth work and social entrepreneurship, working within national, regional, and local contexts. Previously, David worked for the YMCA, Connexions, MHA Care Group, RV estates management and Rand Water. David has over 33 years of leadership experience including 19 years in four CEO’s roles. As a qualified researcher his doctoral research focussed on the application of organisational values within contemporary inclusive environments. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management, holds a first degree, a master’s degree in management and a national diploma in commercial horticulture. He is experienced in developing innovative models of service delivery, utilising the strength of collaboration. He believes that charitable organisations should achieve meaningful social impact through economically viable business models, but always with people at the centre.