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Kevin Peacock
Chief Executive
“I am passionate about the power of collective action to create a better world.”
I feel privileged to serve as the Chief Executive of Options, an organisation I have been involved with for over a decade as a Trustee. I see my role as leading our team to deliver our vision, mission and values.
My career has been rooted in the charitable and voluntary sectors, driven by a belief in social justice and inclusion. I love being around people and believe that everybody is unique and that everyone matters. This shapes the way I try to lead - through listening and empowering. I'm a hopeful person and try to bring about positive change in everything I do.
My journey with Options has introduced me to some incredible people and I am loving the challenge of creating a better world through our work.
When I’m not at Options, I enjoy spending time with my family (I am a husband and father to two fantastic daughters). I’m also a dedicated sports enthusiast and proudly embrace my inner Star Wars geek!
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Marie Binns
Head of Operations
“I am passionate about supporting people to live fulfilling lives!”
With nearly three decades of dedicated service at Options, I have joyfully progressed from a Team Leader to a Development Manager, and now, with immense pride, to the role of Head of Operations.
Alongside my operational responsibilities, I’m proud to serve as the Safeguarding Lead, where I focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of those we support.
My role improves how well our teams work together, making sure we deliver our mission to support, empower, and enable, create chances for growth, keep us in line with regulations, promote a positive work environment, model clear ways to communicate, and offer strong, helpful leadership. All of this will support our staff and enhance the quality of support we provide.
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Sharon Smith
Development Manager
“Some people spend their lives looking for a purpose, I wake up every day doing a job that matters.”
I began my career in Social Care as a Support Worker, and after spending three years as a Team Leader, I took on the role of Development Manager in 2005. During this time, I’ve also earned a QCF Level 5 in Leadership and Management.
As a Development Manager at Options and a key member of the Leadership Team, I’m enthusiastic about furthering our vision and mission by providing exceptional, person-centred support. I also have specific responsibilities as Options’ Families Lead and Wirral Lead.
Being the Families Lead means acting as a conduit between Options and the families and carers of the people we support. Having experienced the challenges of accessing social care support for my loved ones, I feel uniquely suited to this role. This personal insight allows me to truly understand and empathise with family members and carers as they navigate their own support needs and what can be expected from Options as a support provider.
As our ‘Wirral Lead’ I am tasked with attending Wirral provider forums, maintaining up to date knowledge of changes to governance or regulation that may affect the organisation’s ability to attain its mission and relating these to the wider Leadership Team.
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Jenny Clarke
Development Manager
“My passion lies in making a tangible difference in the lives of the people we support, and I believe being person-centred is the key to making this happen.”
I’ve had the pleasure of working as a Development Manager at Options since 2019. My journey to where I am now, started as a support worker then Team Leader, and those experiences have truly enriched my understanding and commitment to Options’ mission. As a senior operational leader and an active member of the Leadership Team, I'm dedicated to realising Options’ vision by ensuring we offer exceptional support to people. I look to promote person-centred principles into everything I do and seek to improve people’s quality of life.
I’m enthusiastic about identifying, developing, and supporting support workers and team leaders to provide outstanding, person-centred support. That’s why as part of my role, I guide positive behaviour support and provide advanced purposes and beliefs training to our amazing staff.
I also engage with commissioners and people in the community, advocating for real person-centred principles to remain at the heart of support.
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Nicola Battle
Development Manager
“I’m proud to be part of a values-driven organisation that puts the people we support at the forefront of everything they do.”
I started my journey with Options back in March 2006 as a support worker. My enthusiasm for the role naturally led me to become a Team Leader, which I proudly did for nine amazing years.
Throughout my career, I've stayed dedicated to professional development, picking up qualifications including a degree in Psychology, a counselling certification, and training as a positive behavioural support coach.
In early 2021, I jumped into the role of Quality Manager, focusing on improving the standards and practices within the organisation. By March 2022, I was excited to take on the Development Manager responsibilities, keeping up my commitment to the growth and success of Options.
I am dedicated to ensuring quality and inspiring our Team Leaders and support staff, who play a vital role in achieving Options’ mission, and in delivering the outstanding support that everyone deserves.
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Shule Mulhall
Development Manager
“I share Options values and I am passionate about what we do.”
I have worked for Options as a Team Leader for many years having previously worked with other supported living organisations. I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care.
Options sees itself as a learning organisation prioritising continuous improvement and innovation. This makes Options different to any other organisation I have worked for over the years. Options is committed to constant learning and adapting to make a difference in people’s lives. It focuses on person-centred values and what really matters to people we support.
Most of my spare time is spent with my son, usually watching him take part in various sports - especially rugby and athletics.
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Jill Bainbridge
Quality and Operational Support Manager
“Providing others with a firm foundation and the support to enable them to be the best they can be is really rewarding for me.”
I joined Options in 2011 and have held a variety of posts beginning as a support worker, moving to Team Leader progressing to Development Manager and to my current role of Quality and Operational Support Manager.
As the Quality and Operational Support Manager my role is to ensure that Options complies to the regulations and standards laid down by local authorities and CQC. This includes monitoring the Health & Safety of everyone with the organisation, Safeguarding of the people we support and effective data management which enables us to make strategic organisational decisions.
I am also responsible for our Continuous Professional Development program (CPD) for Team Leaders which seeks to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to be the best they can be. Operationally, I oversee our systems and processes to ensure they are as effective as can be.
I consider myself a diligent worker and a team player. While I may not be the loudest person in the room, I firmly believe in the saying, "You don't need to be loud to be heard." This reflects my approach to work and life - consistent, reliable, and impactful.
Outside of Options, I live in Wallasey with my husband Paul and our energetic cat Nala. As an avid Everton supporter, I hold a season ticket and look forward to every game. Despite my fear of flying, my love for travel takes me abroad whenever I get the chance.
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Angela Marincowitz
Training and Events Manager
“New challenges keep on coming, but they make every day an adventure!”
I joined Options in 2013, initially serving as a PA to the Chief Executive. My role expanded to include Office Management, and in 2022, I transitioned to my current position focused on Training and Organisational Culture. Leveraging my extensive experience, I oversee our comprehensive training programs and manage all large-scale events. You might find me in the office delivering safeguarding training or hosting one of our exciting events.
When I first heard about Options, I was inspired by the incredible work they were doing. Seeking a new direction and a fresh challenge, I joined the organisation and have never looked back. Options stands out as a place that genuinely values everyone – both staff and the people we support. I am passionate about the meaningful impact we make on people's lives and enjoy working with a team dedicated to our mission.
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Christine Bithell
Community Engagement and Development Manager
“I strive to create a more understanding and accepting society for people with disabilities.”
As the Community Engagement and Development Manager at Options, I lead our dedicated Community Team, which includes our Inclusion Coordinator, and our Health and Wellbeing Coordinator. My mission is to collaborate with local communities to foster environments where individuals can build friendships, feel valued, and find opportunities to contribute meaningfully.
I work closely with various communities to develop inclusive spaces that welcome everyone. A significant part of my role is educating and informing these communities about disability, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging diversity.
I am passionate about working for Options because I believe in our shared vision of a better world – one where people with disabilities are recognised as unique and valued members of vibrant, inclusive communities. My goal is to support these communities in becoming more inclusive and to empower individuals with learning disabilities to achieve their aspirations and live fulfilling lives.
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Jonathan Hardy
Finance Change Manager
“I am dedicated to ensuring the financial sustainability of Options, enabling us to fulfil its vision and mission.”
My role involves leading financial developments within Options, working closely with the wider Leadership Team to drive strategic initiatives. I manage a team responsible for overseeing all day-to-day financial aspects of Options' work, ensuring that our financial operations are robust and aligned with our organisational goals.
My role really makes a difference for the people supported by Options, by keeping the organisation financially stable and making sure we can deliver our services effectively. By overseeing the financial side of things, I help make sure resources are allocated efficiently, drive financial developments and work with the Leadership Team to maintain and improve the quality of care and support we provide.
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Layla Alderton
HR Manager
“I am passionate about creating an environment of belonging and playing a role in driving our workforce strategy to deliver our vision of great support and a better world for people with disabilities."
I started at Options as a HR Advisor before progressing into my current role as HR Manager in March 2024.
My role involves leading the HR and Recruitment Team which encompasses recruitment, staff onboarding, retention, wellbeing and professional development initiatives to ensure Options retains and recruit great staff that deliver our vision of great support.
My journey into HR began with a passion for people and people reaching their potential in the careers in whatever way that looks. I know that our staff our integral to the future of Options and without great staff with the right skills and values as an organisation we will be unable to deliver our vision.
I am constantly inspired by the commitment, passion, kindness and creativity that our staff show every day to deliver great outcomes for the people we support. This is visible every day to the organisation, the people drawing on that support and families support work, but is not always as well understood or recognised as it deserves to be from an external perspective. I have a real passion and commitment to advocating for change to ensure that support work is valued for the highly skilled and rewarding work it is.
Outside of work, I enjoy camping, going on walks with my pet dog Bowie and going to see live music (I am a huge swiftie)!
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Steven Carney
Marketing and Fundraising Manager
“I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life.”
I joined Options in 2024 after working in marketing, communications and branding roles, for the NHS, charity, and the private sector. I oversee all marketing and fundraising activities, from developing strategic campaigns to engaging with our community and stakeholders. My goal is to highlight the incredible work we do at Options every day and showcase our positive impact.
I am proud to be part of such a dedicated team and look forward to continuing our work to create a better world where people with disabilities contribute as unique and valued members of dynamic and inclusive communities.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling to new places, spending time with family and friends, and going to music festivals and concerts.