Large non-compliant care provider hires new chief executive

Anchor, which manages around 54,000 homes, is working on an improvement plan after it was downgraded by the RSH to G3 in June, four months after being given a C3 grade for consumer standards.

In its annual report in August, Anchor said it was putting in place a regulatory improvement plan with the regulator, which it expected to be “finalised” by September.

Anchor said Ms Shimmin has had a “distinguished career” in public service leadership, particularly in health, social care and local government transformation.

She was appointed as the chief executive of Buckinghamshire Council in 2016 and has led the council through its formation and evolution into a billion-pound turnover organisation, merging five predecessor bodies with over 4,000 staff.

Ms Shimmin also chairs the Association of County Chief Executives, a network which brings together the chief executives of over 30 large English upper tier and unitary authorities.

Christopher Kemball, chair of Anchor, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rachael as chief executive of Anchor and member of the board.

“She brings expertise in health and social care, along with a clear track record of organisational transformation and leadership.

“The board and I are confident she will drive the improvements needed for Anchor’s future success. The board expresses its deepest thanks to Amanda Holgate for agreeing to become interim chief executive in June and providing strong, stable and thoughtful leadership during a period of significant change. We are very pleased that she will remain with Anchor as chief financial officer.” 

Ms Shimmin said: “I am delighted to be joining Anchor. The chief executive role has been ably filled on an interim basis by Amanda Holgate and I look forward to working with Amanda, the management team and the board in the months and years ahead.”

According to its annual report, Anchor saw its surplus rise from £1.1m in 2023-24 to £11.6m last year.