ROYAL Star & Garter’s director of care, Pauline Shaw OBE, is celebrating 20 years with the charity.
During this time she has helped oversee some of the biggest transformations in the charity’s 105-year history, receiving an OBE for services to Veterans.
She lists the opening of state-of-the-art homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe as among her biggest achievements.
Pauline, a mum of three, joined Royal Star & Garter on April 4, 2001.
Both her father and grandfather had been in the military, and she said that she has “always been very attracted to the commitment and sacrifice made by people who have served.”
And she has been able to draw on her personal experience of having a mother who lived with disability and used a wheelchair, for the benefit of residents.
“It gave me a really good insight into what we should be looking to achieve to provide homely, enabling environments, fit for purpose which also bring joy to the lives of the people living in them.”
She added it is an ‘absolute privilege’ to meet ‘incredible residents’, recalling a conversation with a World War 1 fighter pilot early in her Royal Star & Garter career, and speaking of her pride at seeing staff deliver exceptional person-centred care.
Discussing the OBE she added: “Nothing I’ve done has been achieved alone. Everything has involved being part of a team. It’s not a solo act, it’s a group effort working with the most amazing people.”
Paying tribute to her 20 years of service, Royal Star & Garter Chief Executive Andy Cole said: “Pauline has helped transform the charity and the care we provide to veterans. We are truly grateful for her dedication and passion. She inspires us all.”
For more information on Royal Star & Garter visit www.starandgarter.org
