Sandie Foxall-Smith has announced her decision to step down as chief executive of Regard Group, after five years in the post.

Since taking up the role in 2012, Foxall-Smith (pictured) has guided Regard to become the UK’s fourth largest private provider of supported living and residential services for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and acquired brain injury.

Today, the group cares for more than 1,300 people, with a staff of over 2,600 people working at 161 locations throughout the UK.

Foxall-Smith’s departure follows the group’s recent acquisition by AMP Capital.

Before joining Regard, Foxall-Smith previously worked as director of development for Circle Hospitals, as a manager and director in Bupa hospitals, and as chief executive of St Peter’s Hospice, Bristol.

She is replaced by current managing director, Carole Edmond, who joined Regard from Bupa in January 2017.

Foxall-Smith said: “When I joined in 2012 my aim was to create a culture of innovation through team-working, which would create the desire among our staff to be the best in care delivery, and that aim has been realised now – our success speaks for itself.”

She added: “I leave the Regard Group in fantastic shape, and in the safe hands of managing director, Carole Edmond, who will now step up to the chief executive role.”

Carole Edmond said: “I want to thank Sandie for her dedication to building a high-quality organisation and developing our people-focused culture, and to second her vote of thanks to the whole Regard team for a sustained commitment to making people’s lives better every day.”

AMP’s global head of infra health Julie-Anne Mizzie commented: “We want to thank Sandie for her tremendous contribution to both Regard and the adult social care sector and wish her all the very best for the future.”