Barchester’s Charitable Foundation has appointed a new chairperson, Simon McCall, Barchester’s commercial director, replacing Barchester’s chief executive Dr Pete Calveley, who will continue to help running of the charity as a trustee.

Established in 2000, Barchester’s Charitable Foundation aims to help older people and adults living with a disability or mental health problems in local communities across the country.  The charity provides grants to improve mobility and quality of life, and each year the Foundation distributes more than £150,000 to individuals, small community groups and charities across Great Britain. 

Responsible for the building of new care homes and Barchester’s change and acquisition programmes, McCall joined Barchester Healthcare as commercial director in 2020. He has been an active fundraiser for the Foundation, forming part of the core team in the Tour de Barchester cycle race for two consecutive years. 

McCall said: “The Foundation paid out its first grant in 2003 and since then it has given more than £3.2 million to over 3,000 good causes, helping to connect vulnerable people with their local communities. I very much want to carry on that great work and continue to make a positive impact on local communities. It is incredibly important to me that we continue our efforts to make a difference to older people and those living with a disability.”

Calveley added: “I have very much enjoyed my work as chair of the Foundation but now I feel it is time for some fresh thinking. I’m delighted to welcome Simon as chairperson and I’m excited to work alongside him. I’m certain he will bring a new approach and his commercial experience will be hugely beneficial in helping us shape the Foundation’s future.” 

Barchester has been a care provider for more than 25 years, offering residential care and nursing care including dementia care.