Over 130 leaders from across each division at Active Care Group (ACG) gathered recently for our 4th Annual Senior Leadership Conference, a two-day event built around the inspiring theme of courage and bravery – “Brave Actions, Outstanding Outcomes.”
This year’s conference provided a powerful opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and look ahead.
Opening Reflections from our CEO
Keith Browner, Chief Executive Officer at Active Care Group, opened the conference with a reflection on ACG’s evolution and journey over the past 12 months and how our objective to deliver outstanding, person-centred care remains firmly rooted in our 10 leadership principles and three fundamental pillars.
Investment in People, Places and Technology
Keith highlighted that key hires and promotions across the senior leadership team over the last 12 months, who are experts in their areas, will ensure we meet our transformation objectives.
ACG has also invested in digital tools, which have streamlined the way we work, allowing our colleagues to focus on the most important part of their roles: the quality of care and supporting the people in our care.
Additionally, Keith noted that we have invested heavily in refurbishing and renovating all services across ACG, with a strong focus on our new Active Neuro services.
External Recognition and Standards of Care
Keith proudly shared that 94% of our services are now rated ‘Good’ or above, thanks to an expanded quality team and the implementation of both internal and external mock CQC inspections.
Looking ahead, Keith emphasised that innovation will be the engine of our future success. He stressed that true innovation demands courageous, strategic risk-taking and thrives through collaboration across disciplines.
Stories of Strength, Purpose and Leadership
In addition to Keith sharing our highlights, the executive team delivered uplifting presentations, Q&A sessions and a production of the Active Care Group Pathways.
We were also privileged to be joined by two guest speakers, Steve Brown and Dani Czernuszka-Watts, who shared their lived experiences and amazed us all with their bravery and courage.
Paralympian and television presenter Steve Brown inspired us with stories from his youth to the impact of his injury.
From captaining Team GB in the 2012 Paralympic Games to becoming a passionate advocate for inclusivity in sports and media, Steve’s message was one of tenacity, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
Former rugby player Dani Czernuszka-Watts shared her powerful story of recovery and purpose following a life-changing spinal injury in 2017. Her courage, honesty, and humour moved the room, reminding us of the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community.
Dani also spoke about her advocacy work. Women with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, can face significant barriers in accessing breast screening and smear tests due to a lack of accessible equipment in many medical facilities across the UK. Dani is campaigning to ensure there is more funding to support breast & cervical cancer screening for disabled women.
The conference was also a source of inspiration for Dani, who said, “What a supportive subset of people who work within the care of people living with critical neurological injuries.
To be asked to talk about lived experience, I feel, is the only way to provide the best care to each individual living in the community with a disability. I hope that my story raised conversations. As for me, I can only wish that the next generation doesn’t experience the consequences I had throughout my eight years of being injured.
The things that need changing are the hardest things to talk about”.
Looking Ahead with Courage and Clarity
This year’s senior leadership conference reaffirmed that ACG’s strength lies in our people, bold, driven leaders with a deep commitment to excellence.
As we move forward together, we do so with courage, bravery, creativity, innovation and compassion at our core.