May 10, 2024

Our CEO, Lesley, is leaving later this year

We’ve got some important news to tell you. After an incredible 14 years at PSS, our brilliant chief executive, Lesley Dixon, is going to be leaving us later in the year to take semi-retirement. 

Lesley’s still enjoying working at PSS, but she feels that it’s time to give her life a bit more balance, and spend some more time at home in York.  

‘It’s been hard to make the decision to leave PSS. I’ve truly loved working here – it’s fed my soul from the beginning in so many ways, and after 14 years, I still feel as inspired by the work we do as I did on my first day,’ Lesley says. ‘I feel so lucky to have been surrounded by so many kind, committed and brave people who are willing to go the extra mile for others every day.  

My decision to take semi-retirement means I can give my life more balance. For the last 14 years, I’ve split my time between my home in York, being over in Liverpool at our head office, and traveling up and down the UK to visit our regional services. As much as I’ve loved spending time with our amazing teams, Shared Lives carers and people we support, it’s time for me to take my foot off the pedal a little bit (literally and figuratively!), and spend more quality time at home with my family. 

One of the things I love most about PSS is how we help make life better for people who don’t often have many of life’s advantages. I’ve loved seeing the difference we make on a daily basis, in the big ways and in the little ways, and I’ll always be proud to have been a part of such an amazing organisation. The people I’ve met, the stories they’ve told me about their experiences in life, and the ways our work has supported them will stay with me forever.’ 

 Reflecting on Lesley’s time at PSS and what’s next for the organisation, PSS Chair, Julie Cooke, said: ‘Lesley’s done incredible work in her time at PSS. One of the phrases most synonymous with Lesley’s leadership, and her take on the support we provide, is ‘with, not to’; her focus is firmly on listening to the voices of people we support and doing what’s right for them. As a result, she’s made a raft of strategic changes that mean we now work more closely with the people who use our services to make decisions than ever before.   

 Also important to Lesley has been making sure our organisation is accessible to those who need it – she’s led changes to make the language we use much simpler, more inclusive and easier to understand, and to give us a friendly, down-to-earth feel that’s matched by the feeling you get when you walk through our doors.  Lesley’s created an award-winning culture at PSS, brought in new ways to recognise the work of our amazing people, and introduced a set of values that were fully embraced by all of our team and still filter into everything we do, guiding everyone in their work and behaviour.  She’s earned a reputation amongst the team as a genuine, open and listening leader.  

 We’re really sad to see Lesley go, but we know that with all the brilliant decisions she’s made that have been right for PSS, she’s making a decision now that’s right for her. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Lesley for all she’s done for PSS over the last 14 years – she’ll be missed. 

 We’ll be working with Peridot Partners to recruit a new CEO for PSS over the coming months, and Lesley will continue to lead the organisation in the meantime.’ 

 The role will be advertised within the next two weeks, and we’ll let you know when we’ve appointed someone new.