Orbis Education and Care has appointed Kelley Fray as its chief operating officer, responsible for overseeing all children’s and adult education sites, children’s and adult’s residential services and supporting M&A and organic growth.

Cardiff-based Orbis provides specialist schools and homes, supporting children and adults with complex needs associated with autism.

Fray has worked extensively with children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities. She has more than two decades of experience working in the care and special educational needs and disability sector and was previously managing director at complex care and education provider Salutem Group.

Before that, she was director of education at the Keys Group overseeing multiple acquisitions, which saw her take responsibility for operational outcomes and business development. She then worked as operations director for the Witherslack Group, responsible for day and residential schools and clinical services, focusing on organic growth and increasing clinical specialities.

Kelley said: “Having visited all of its sites across Wales, I can see the exceptional level of care and support that is being provided to the young people and adults within the care of this wonderful team. I’m really looking forward to working closely with my colleagues to help continue developing the fantastic care and education services they provide, and building on this expertise for the added benefit of all the people Orbis works tirelessly to support.”.

Orbis Education and Care’s chief executive Suzanne Lawrence added: “Kelley has a wealth of experience in multiple areas of the social care and education sector which makes her an ideal fit for Orbis Education and Care. We are continually working to improve upon and further enhance the way we work with the people we support to help make sure they are living their best lives during their time with us. So, we’re really excited to see how Kelley’s extensive experience of, and lifelong passion for, the provision of specialist educational and residential support services is going to support this further.”