Grey Matter Learning, a leading social care training provider, has recently appointed Phil Hitchcox as its new Managing Director. The appointment will see Phil lead the organisation’s strategic development.
Phil, who joined the business in 2022, has ambitions to make Grey Matter Learning (GML) the social care training provider of choice across the UK. Before this role, Phil spent some time working for one of the largest social care companies, CareTech Group, where he supported attracting and developing a 12,000 strong workforce in over 600 care settings.
Phil joins the business with a wealth of experience across the education sector, with almost 13 years’ experience under his belt. During this time, his varying roles mostly centred around supporting employers to develop their workforces through work-based learning and apprenticeships.
In the early stages of his career, Phil spent some time working for the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), where he helped large employers to implement and develop apprenticeship programmes to develop the skills of their people.
Talking about his appointment, Phil said;
“I am thrilled to be joining GML at such a pivotal moment for the business. GML offers the social care industry something truly unique, inspiring and impactful. The learning that they provide makes a real difference in the industry.
“My ambition is to help more care organisations benefit from the learning GML can offer – as well as enhance the experience and value we offer existing customers.”
Phil went on to discuss how he also plans to develop the current learning programmes further and explore how those programmes can be delivered. Currently, GML’s course delivery is prominently online, with some face-to-face courses available.
“GML immediately stood out as an impressive and purposeful business, that makes a difference in people’s lives every day. Above all else, it has a really strong team of people who not only understand social care and what our customers want, they are passionate about the care industry and making a real difference.” Phil said.
Speaking on Phil’s appointment, The Progress Group CEO, Jayne Worthington said;
“As a Group, we are committed to fostering a leadership team that can deliver on our vision and mission statement to change lives through the power of education and training. Phil’s experience coupled with his passion for championing change makes him the perfect fit for our business.
“Since GML joined the Group 12-months ago, we have seen some transformative changes across the business, as we bolstered operations to support even more care providers with their training needs.
“The social care sector landscape is rapidly changing as providers begin to navigate a new normal in a post-COVID-19 world. But the importance of education and training for social care professionals remains unchanged. Phil’s appointment will see GML drive forward and support even more providers to deliver high-quality, effective training to their care staff.”
Grey Matter Learning is part of a larger group of training and education specialists – The Progress Group. Throughout the UK, The Progress Group’s subsidiaries use high-quality training and education opportunities to drive forward social mobility. Across the group, services are available to individuals aged 11 to 60.
Changing lives through the power of education and training