Colchester-based adult social care services provider Consensus Support has appointed Paula Keys as chief executive and David Spruzen as non-executive chair.

Keys’ previous leadership roles in health and social care provision include chief operating officer at Horizon Care and Education Group, a role she also fulfilled at HC-One. Before that, she was chief of staff, managing director and operations director at care home operator HC-One, and head of quality with Bupa Care Services.

Keys said: “This is an exciting time to join the talented team at Consensus, with its mission to ensure opportunity, choice and success for every individual we support. I am also inspired by the values shared across the organisation, the focus upon quality of care in all our services, and dedication to supporting more and more people to achieve their goals and lead fulfilled, meaningful lives.”

Spruzen has extensive experience in the adult learning disabilities care sector, having served as the chief executive of HC-One as well as chief executive and subsequently executive chair of Care Management Group, as well as executive chair of Achieve together.

Spruzen said: “Consensus has a sector-leading reputation as the provider that delivers exceptional quality in support and accommodation for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. It also has ambitious growth plans for the future, that will bring even more outstanding services to people in need of personalised care across the UK. The board is looking forward to supporting Paula and her colleagues in achieving those ambitions.”

Consensus also announced the creation of a new chief operating officer position within the leadership team. Eddie Morgan’s internal appointment to that post follows eight years of senior roles within Consensus, including his time as chief executive between December 2019 and March this year.