Jessica Playfoot | Meet the team

Meet the team

Darren Pollard

President of the Insurance Institute of Sussex & Managing Director, Quality Care Group

Darren Pollard

President of the Insurance Institute of Sussex & Managing Director, Quality Care Group

As managing director of Quality Care Group, Darren has over 25 years' Insurance experience, over 20 years in the Care Industry. His expert knowledge of the Care Sector has placed QCG as one of the UK’s leading Care Home Insurance Brokers. Darren is also founder of our Charitable arm, Pollard's Promises. Darren is a very keen tennis player, an avid football fan and enjoys watching his three children playing tennis, football and cricket.

Lorrie Maslen

Operations Director

Lorrie Maslen

Operations Director

Lorrie is responsible for the management of our head office and certifying that the team works in a compliant manner. She also ensures that our team are delivering exceptional customer service to our clients. Lorrie is an active supporter of Chestnut Tree House and has taken on the Great Wall of China Challenge in 2015, Cambodia Challenge in 2017 and the Inca Trail in 2019 to raise money for the cause.

Dom Taylor

Commercial Director

Dom Taylor

Commercial Director

Dom brings over 40 years’ management experience in both commercial and personal insurance. He is responsible for implementing QCG’s business plan and heads up our General Insurance division, unlocking and converting commercial business to meet our strategic growth plans. Dom can often be heard singing or whistling a tune from his vast repertoire, a sure sign that he’s happy in his work.

Jade Concannon

Claims Manager

Jade Concannon

Claims Manager

Jade has worked in the insurance industry since 2004 and has vast experience across many personal lines and commercial insurances, holding the Diploma CII qualification. Using her knowledge of the care sector, Jade has worked in several different roles within the group including managing teams looking after our existing care clients as well as our general insurance arm. More recently she managed our risk management offering by identifying the trends where the care sector is most vulnerable. Jade who is now putting the processes in place to ensure that QCG claim service is the best it can be. She will then recruit a team of like-minded individuals to implement this with the central ethos of putting our customers claims needs as a top priority. Outside of the day job, when she isn’t looking after her dachshund, Declan, Jade is a fitness and Yoga instructor, teaching and attending numerous classes each week.

Sarah Evans

Business Support Manager

Sarah Evans

Business Support Manager

Sarah has worked for QCG for over 13 years. She is responsible for co-ordinating and organising all administrative services across the company. She ensures that her team provide and issue all relevant policy documentation to clients within the set service-level agreements. Sarah is an excellent baker, often supplying the team with their favourite home-baked sweet treats, chocolate cookies and lemon drizzle cake.

Lauren Early

Head of Existing Business

Lauren Early

Head of Existing Business

With almost 12 years' experience within the domiciliary care sector. Lauren is currently Head of Existing Business, responsible for Care and General Insurance. Lauren also heads up our charitable arm, Pollard's Promises. Lauren has her hands full outside of work being Mum.

Ben Woolger

Business Support Assistant Manager

Ben Woolger

Business Support Assistant Manager

Ben brings his organisational skills to his role of supplying full administrative support to the New Business, Corporate and Business Development teams. Smartly dressed in the office, Ben turns into something of a “Bear Grylls” outside of the office enjoying camping, walking and BBQs.

Zak Edwards

Head of Corporate

Zak Edwards

Head of Corporate

Zak is responsible for managing the relationships of all Corporate and Group clients, whether that be dealing with claims or general queries out of hours. Zak also focuses on new business group acquisitions. A keen traveller and sports fanatic, Zak cycles along Brighton seafront daily on his commute to our office.

Carli Chick

Operations Manager

Carli Chick

Operations Manager

As Operations Manager, Carli is responsible for operations at Quality Care Group. Carli is a health and fitness fanatic, driving herself to achieve excellence. This same drive is seen in the management and consequent achievements of her team.

Alex Ward

Data Analyst

Alex Ward

Data Analyst

Alex joined QCG in 2018 and is now the company’s Data Analyst, working across departments to co-ordinate internal processes, in addition to maintaining IT systems. An active member of Shoreham Rowing Club and a keen aviation enthusiast, Alex learned to fly before driving a car.

Patricia Gabrielli

Financial Controller

Patricia Gabrielli

Financial Controller

Patricia has been working in the Care Home Insurance Sector since 2002. She is responsible for all the accounting needs of QCG and has been instrumental in the success and growth of the company. Patricia is an avid tennis player and is a regular 1st team tennis player for Hove Park Tennis Club.

Josh Pollard

New Business Manager

Josh Pollard

New Business Manager

Josh is the New Business Manager at Quality Care Group, focusing on using his extensive care sector knowledge to build strong client relationships and drive new growth initiatives. A skilled tennis player at the county level, Josh balances his professional and athletic pursuits with a deep commitment to giving back, proudly volunteering in the charity sector.

Dean Wallace

Senior Business Development Executive

Dean Wallace

Senior Business Development Executive

Dean joined the Business Development Team in 2019, bringing years of knowledge and experience of Sales and Customer Service to develop leads for the New Business team. Outside of work, Dean is a family man and a keen photographer, taking his camera everywhere he goes to get the perfect capture.

Lucy Robson

Senior Account Executive

Lucy Robson

Senior Account Executive

Lucy has worked in insurance for over 7 years, achieving her CII accreditation & Insurance Practitioner apprenticeship when she was 19. Lucy works in the General Insurance Division, dealing with our vast portfolio of commercial insurance products. Having relocated from the Midlands, she now enjoys festivals in the summer and travelling to new countries when she can!

Liam Ellis

Corporate Account Executive

Liam Ellis

Corporate Account Executive

Liam has been working in insurance for 5 years and is responsible for helping to grow our domiciliary care business and provide support to our clients. Passionate about football, Liam is a proud West Ham supporter.

Donna Attridge

Senior Account Executive

Donna Attridge

Senior Account Executive

Donna has worked within the Insurance Industry for 10 years with a background in claims and Motor Insurance. Donna started with Quality Care Group as a Renewals Account Handler building relationships with our clients, through her work and professional development, she is currently Senior Account Executive continuing to ensure our customers experience is flawless. In her free time, she enjoys dog walks, yoga, gardening and spending time with friends and family.

Errol Archer

Health & Social Care law expert

Errol Archer

Health & Social Care law expert

Errol Archer is a health and social care law expert. He deals with the Care Quality Commission and Health and Safety Executive, amongst other regulators.

Francesca Jeffrey

Partnership Manager

Francesca Jeffrey

Partnership Manager

Francesca has 20 years experience in insurance, covering all aspects of commercial and personal lines. She has worked in compliance auditing on mortgage and life policies working closely with IFA’s and mortgage advisers. Francesca will be bringing this knowledge and experience to the Business Solutions Team. In her spare time she likes to be outdoors and active with her two children.

Rebecca Allen

Business Development Executive

Rebecca Allen

Business Development Executive

Rebecca has 20 years’ experience in sales and prides herself on her ability to form warm, long-term relationships with her clients. She has worked in property sales and life insurance and has brought this experience with her to the insurance team at QCG. In her spare time, Rebecca likes to listen to live music, spend time with friends, and have lots of fun days out with her two young children.

Chris Lacey

Finance Manager

Chris Lacey

Finance Manager

Chris joined QCG in Sep 2021 having previously worked in financial services. Chris looks after the day to day running of the Finance department, ensuring debt is collected on time and insurers are paid in a timely manner. Chris is a keen skier and runner, and worked in many countries across Europe while in his 20s. He leads a more quiet life now, having relocated in 2017 to Brighton, where he also volunteers with Cubs.

Allison Rundle

Finance Assistant

Allison Rundle

Finance Assistant

Allison has 20 years of finance and banking experience and joined QCG to support the accounts department. In her spare time, she enjoys watching Nordic dramas, gardening and experiencing new cuisines.

Alan Ford

Marketing Manager

Alan Ford

Marketing Manager

“Alan is a career marketing professional and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM). He supports the communication of services from all departments, to meet clients and staff needs, managing marketing output in line with the company’s strategic objectives. He is passionate about delivering high-quality, tailored marketing communications and developing long term business relationships, both internally and externally. Outside the office Alan enjoys most sports. His passion from an early age was football, watching Arsenal FC from aged 4 years old, on the North Bank with his Dad, but finding he could not play the sport that well, found himself playing Rugby and various martial arts, later specialising in Tae Kwon Do. He also enjoys, going to the pub, eating out and relaxing with his wife and three children.”

Doug Walsh

Business Development Executive

Doug Walsh

Business Development Executive

Doug is an experienced insurance professional, having worked in several areas of the industry, including risk management and claims. He has spent the last 8 years broking and particularly enjoys sourcing the right cover at the right price, for both new and existing clients. Outside of work Doug enjoys going out with friends, going to the beach, and reading philosophy.

Emily Whiting

Risk & Claims Manager

Emily Whiting

Risk & Claims Manager

Emily began working in insurance in 2008. Having worked in a variety of customer service, management and sales roles throughout the years. She completed her Cert CII qualification a few years ago and is now studying towards her Insurance Diploma. She worked at QCG previously and is delighted to return, to work alongside Claims Manager Jade Concannon, with a strong focus on customer service excellence. Whilst Insurance is her main career focus, she is also a qualified primary school teacher and she has completed a Law Degree with the Open University. Outside of work you will find her balancing exercise and a social life, whilst looking after her two children!

Simon van Os

Head of Customer Solutions

Simon van Os

Head of Customer Solutions

Simon van Os brings with him over 25 years’ experience in customer success, service delivery and product management across a variety of industries. With a strong passion for customer excellence, relationship building and business growth, Simon has successfully assisted many clients with business improvement, scalable growth initiatives and strategic problem solving. He is responsible for our Business Solutions offering and is always actively looking for ways to help support and improve your business. Outside of work, Simon’s other loves are his family, his music and his Labrador ‘Snoop’.

Stephen Taylor

Business Development Executive

Stephen Taylor

Business Development Executive

I am a business development professional, from a background that includes- private medical insurance, variety of commercial lines and software as a service sales. I enjoy getting involved with projects, contributing to business growth and bringing the worlds of insurance and business together. I have a passion for food and travel, recreating my favourite dishes from around the world. Recently moved to Hove with my spouse, and really embracing the seaside lifestyle. Even the pesky seagulls haven’t phased me, yet.

George Skinner

Comercial Account Handler

George Skinner

Comercial Account Handler

George deals with commercial account handling, responsible for providing exceptional service to our prestigious client base, ensuring the cover for our clients is tailored to their individual needs. George enjoys spending his weekends golfing, playing rugby and socialising at the pub with his friends.

Ben Simmonds

Corporate Claims Handler

Ben Simmonds

Corporate Claims Handler

Ben worked as a claim's handler in his home country of New Zealand before moving to the UK and joining the claims team at Quality Care Group as a Corporate Claims Handler. In his spare time Ben enjoys socialising and supporting his favourite football team, Liverpool.

Georgia Mercer

Commercial Account Handler

Georgia Mercer

Commercial Account Handler

Georgia Mercer is a versatile professional who, armed with a BSc in Zoology, transitioned seamlessly from sales and sales management in construction to her current role as a Commercial Account Handler at Quality Care Group. She brings a passion for protection to the insurance sector, demonstrating finesse and dedication in managing commercial accounts. Outside of work, Georgia is a spirited runner, a talented singer, and a social butterfly who enjoys unwinding at the local pub.

Keenan Atkinson-Cox

New Business Executive

Keenan Atkinson-Cox

New Business Executive

Keenan is a Psychology Graduate from the University of Portsmouth. He brings 4 years' worth of experience in sales before recently joining our New Business team. Being neurodivergent, Keenan brings a unique mindset to the team, often thinking of ideas and solutions that are outside the box. Outside of work, Keenan enjoys socializing, exercising and traveling, having been to 15 countries and counting

Lauryl Rencontre

Business Support Executive

Lauryl Rencontre

Business Support Executive

Lauryl holds strong organisational and customer service skills from extensive experience in the property sector. She is an integral component of the business support team and contributes to team success. In her free time, she likes socialising with her friends and family.

Jack Collins

Commercial Account Handler

Jack Collins

Commercial Account Handler

Jack has extensive experience in delivering a high-quality service to clients in a variety of industries. He has a strong financial background and has more recently focussed on the commercial aspect of finance. Here at QCG he is a commercial account handler within the renewals team and is responsible for finding tailored cover with a personal approach. He enjoys many activities, such as snooker, darts, poker and surfing wherever he can.

Leah Bray

Commercial Account Handler

Leah Bray

Commercial Account Handler

Leah has worked in the insurance for over 10 years, working in a variety of different roles. She has experience working for one of the largest global insurers, supporting some of the most reputable networks within the protection industry. She has also worked for independent not-for-profit organisations with a strong track record in delivering an outstanding level of service for her clients. In her spare time, she loves hot yoga, going to the gym and spending time with friends.

Lucy Sandle

Business Development Executive

Lucy Sandle

Business Development Executive

Lucy is politics graduate with relevant knowledge of the political world, political updates and current affairs. She has worked at children’s summer camps, exam invigilating and retail. In her spare time she enjoys socialising, running and travelling.

Ruth Florence

Business Development Executive

Ruth Florence

Business Development Executive

Ruth is a politics graduate that specialised in a variety of political systems. She has a great deal of experience in customer service and utilises these skills at Quality Care Group in her role, to really understand clients needs and provide them with the very best experience possible. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, but also enjoy debating or playing video games.

Sophie Salter

Business Solutions Development Executive

Sophie Salter

Business Solutions Development Executive

Sophie has worked in a range of sectors before joining the QCG team, most recently in recruitment for Education (incl. SEND needs) and Logistics, as well as the Telecoms sector prior to this, having also completed a degree in Computing and Digital Media. Sophie thrives in a role where she is able to work closely with clients to listen to pain points, delivering personalised solutions and plans to fuel business growth and success. Outside of work Sophie is passionate about nature, health and wellbeing, self development and spirituality - supporting others with this holistic 'journey' however she can.

Kieran Maguire

Business Development Executive

Kieran Maguire

Business Development Executive

Kieran is a graduate from Durham University where he studied biology and economics. He has a background in insurance, having spent time at a top City of London insurance company from which he leverages his knowledge to provide a smooth and comprehensive service for Quality Care Group’s clients. Kieran also has a wealth of experience in customer service from which he utilises his skills in his role at QCG, to get to the bottom of his client's pain points and offer his help in any way possible. In his spare time Kieran is an avid home chef, dog lover and keen sportsman, recently retiring his football boots to focus on tennis and golf

Peter Bryant

Energy Analyst

Peter Bryant

Energy Analyst

Peter is a seasoned energy sector specialist with over 16 years of experience in brokerage and consultancy services. Trained by Siemens, Peter brings a unique blend of technical expertise and industry knowledge to his role at Quality Care Group. His career has been marked by a consistent focus on providing exceptional energy solutions, particularly within the care home sector. Peter's experience spans various roles, from partnership management at Shell Energy to consulting on green energy initiatives and developing energy management programs for large businesses. Driven by a passion for excellence, Peter delivers competitive energy sourcing and market trend management but also tailored solutions that optimise energy delivery to care home accounts.

Demianna George

Executive Assistant

Demianna George

Executive Assistant

As the Executive Assistant to Darren, our Managing Director, I provide dedicated 1:1 support to ensure smooth operations and efficient communication within all aspects of Darren's work. With a passion for travel, health and fitness, I bring energy and organisation to my role, striving to create a productive and positive work environment.

Mathew Singleton

Recruitment Manager

Mathew Singleton

Recruitment Manager

Mathew is the Recruitment Manager for Care Executive Search at Quality Care Recruit. Mathew's aim is to provide genuine solutions to the real problems care settings face: finding culture-fit and industry expert managers, directors and c-suite professionals that deliver high-quality leadership and drive growth for their organisation. Mathew's vision for QCR is to help care providers build sustainable, long-term leadership teams that improve the outcomes and experience of everyone in the care industry. Mathew is passionate about healthy living (eating and exercise), hobbies include: geopolitics, football and boxing, but he enjoys nothing more than spending time playing with his two children.

Ryan Davenport

Business Development Executive

Ryan Davenport

Business Development Executive

Ryan is a Business Development Executive and a key member of the New Business team at Quality Care Group. With a passion for building strong client relationships, Ryan has honed his skills in phone-based communication, ensuring clients receive the best possible outcomes through tailored solutions. An active and sports-driven individual, Ryan is a fitness enthusiast and a devoted Chelsea FC fan. His standout trait is his engaging personality, he thrives on meeting new people and takes a genuine interest in their lives and experiences, which fuels his ability to connect with clients on a personal level. Outside of work, Ryan loves to travel and explore new cultures. A fan of all types of music, he embraces life with curiosity and energy, bringing a dynamic and well-rounded perspective to the team.

Jessica Playfoot

Business Development Executive

Jessica Playfoot

Business Development Executive

Jessica is a Business Development Executive and an integral part of the New Business team at Quality Care Group. With extensive experience working with internationally recognised brands, particularly in the Events and Hospitality industries, she has honed her skills in building strong relationships, delivering exceptional service, and driving business growth. Known for her personable nature, exceptional customer service, and unwavering drive to achieve success, Jessica thrives on connecting with clients and creating tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. She is passionate about contributing to the continued growth and success of the New Business team at Quality Care Group. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jessica enjoys exploring her creative side through the arts, discovering new dining experiences, and unwinding with a good book. Her dynamic blend of professional expertise and personal interests makes her a valuable asset to the team and a delight to work with.

Nicholas Gordon

I began my career in e-commerce, managing motorcycle parts, and took a bold step by moving to Bangkok for two years to drive growth and operational excellence for our franchise there. After returning, I spent two transformative years at Tesla, followed by a role in the EV charging sector. Most recently, I’ve been working closely with a small business to launch a luxury bespoke furniture store in central Brighton, combining creativity and strategy to achieve success. On a personal note, I’m an avid motorcyclist, a proud supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and a lover of live music and great food. At home, I share my life with two wonderful rescue animals who keep things lively.