Meet the team

Bluebird Care Newark and Sherwood is owned and managed by Director Alan Pankhurst. Alan was made redundant in December 2010 from Lincolnshire County Council where he spent 10 years as their Research Manager investigating demographic changes and their impact on services.

Overall, Alan has had 30 years’ managerial experience mainly in the public sector responsible for recruiting and training staff, marketing services and managing significant department and team budgets. He was also employed as a regional management consultant responsible for efficiency studies into local offices performance, budget management and staffing levels.  

Whilst Alan has no direct work experience of the care sector, he has, over the last 7 years, worked very closely with the Director of Public Health and the Primary Care Trust on their joint needs assessment so understands the problems and challenges facing the sector. He is passionate about providing good quality care and making a difference to people’s lives.  

Alan is a keen golfer although his handicap might suggest otherwise and is secretary of a local golf society.

Sarah is one of the owners of Bluebird Care Newark & Sherwood, joining the family business in 2013.  Sarah’s working background was in business and finance, which has supported her in her role as Office Manager.  Sarah is very passionate about supporting her customers with the high standards of care she would expect to receive herself or for her family as and when the time comes, whilst ensuring her staff are supported throughout their time with Bluebird Care.

“As a family business, our aim is to be able to support our customers to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.  For some of our customers, the carers they see may be the only company they receive, so we want to ensure we are supporting them in the ways they need, whether it be supporting with a bath to a cup of tea and a natter, it makes all the difference!”

Marketing and Recruitment Manager

Emma joined our Bluebird Care team in May 2023 as our registered manager. Emma has a wealth of experience in the care sector and has worked in different areas, including palliative care where she is most passionate about. She has worked both in care assistant roles and managerial roles over her time within the care sector and understands the importance of high care standards.

“I believe that good care ultimately starts at home and that everyone is entitled to high standards of care. I came to Bluebird Care to make a difference and feel that here we can truly tailor our customer’s care to what they need. Through training and support our carers can make that difference to our customer’s lives.”