Doug Walsh | Meet the team | Quality Care Group

Meet the team

Darren Pollard

Managing Director

Darren Pollard

Managing Director

As managing director of Quality Care Group, Darren has over 25 years' Insurance experience, over 20 years in the Care Industry. His expert knowledge of the Care Sector has placed QCG as one of the UK’s leading Care Home Insurance Brokers. Darren is also founder of our Charitable arm, Pollard's Promises. Darren is a very keen tennis player, an avid football fan and enjoys watching his three children playing tennis, football and cricket.

Lorrie Maslen

Operations Director

Lorrie Maslen

Operations Director

Lorrie is responsible for the management of our head office and certifying that the team works in a compliant manner. She also ensures that our team are delivering exceptional customer service to our clients. Lorrie is an active supporter of Chestnut Tree House and has taken on the Great Wall of China Challenge in 2015, Cambodia Challenge in 2017 and the Inca Trail in 2019 to raise money for the cause.

Dom Taylor

Commercial Director

Dom Taylor

Commercial Director

Dom brings over 40 years’ management experience in both commercial and personal insurance. He is responsible for implementing QCG’s business plan and heads up our General Insurance division, unlocking and converting commercial business to meet our strategic growth plans. Dom can often be heard singing or whistling a tune from his vast repertoire, a sure sign that he’s happy in his work.

Jade Concannon

Claims Manager

Jade Concannon

Claims Manager

Jade has worked in the insurance industry since 2004 and has vast experience across many personal lines and commercial insurances, holding the Diploma CII qualification. Using her knowledge of the care sector, Jade has worked in several different roles within the group including managing teams looking after our existing care clients as well as our general insurance arm. More recently she managed our risk management offering by identifying the trends where the care sector is most vulnerable. Jade who is now putting the processes in place to ensure that QCG claim service is the best it can be. She will then recruit a team of like-minded individuals to implement this with the central ethos of putting our customers claims needs as a top priority. Outside of the day job, when she isn’t looking after her dachshund, Declan, Jade is a fitness and Yoga instructor, teaching and attending numerous classes each week.

Sarah Evans

Business Support Manager

Sarah Evans

Business Support Manager

Sarah has worked for QCG for over 13 years. She is responsible for co-ordinating and organising all administrative services across the company. She ensures that her team provide and issue all relevant policy documentation to clients within the set service-level agreements. Sarah is an excellent baker, often supplying the team with their favourite home-baked sweet treats, chocolate cookies and lemon drizzle cake.

Lauren Early

Domiciliary Care Manager

Lauren Early

Domiciliary Care Manager

With almost 10 years' experience within the Home Care sector, Lauren is tasked with heading up our domiciliary care division for both a new business and renewals. Lauren also heads up our charitable arm, Pollard's Promises. Lauren has her hands full outside of work being Mum to her active nine year old son.

Ben Woolger

Business Support Assistant Manager

Ben Woolger

Business Support Assistant Manager

Ben brings his organisational skills to his role of supplying full administrative support to the New Business, Corporate and Business Development teams. Smartly dressed in the office, Ben turns into something of a “Bear Grylls” outside of the office enjoying camping, walking and BBQs.

Zak Edwards

Head of Corporate

Zak Edwards

Head of Corporate

Zak is responsible for managing the relationships of all Corporate and Group clients, whether that be dealing with claims or general queries out of hours. Zak also focuses on new business group acquisitions. A keen traveller and sports fanatic, Zak cycles along Brighton seafront daily on his commute to our office.

Carli Chick

Operations Manager

Carli Chick

Operations Manager

As Operations Manager, Carli is responsible for operations at Quality Care Group. Carli is a health and fitness fanatic, driving herself to achieve excellence. This same drive is seen in the management and consequent achievements of her team.

Alex Ward

Data Analyst

Alex Ward

Data Analyst

Alex joined QCG in 2018 and is now the company’s Data Analyst, working across departments to co-ordinate internal processes, in addition to maintaining IT systems. A keen aviation enthusiast, Alex learned to fly before driving a car.

Patricia Gabrielli

Financial Controller

Patricia Gabrielli

Financial Controller

Patricia has been working in the Care Home Insurance Sector since 2002. She is responsible for all the accounting needs of QCG and has been instrumental in the success and growth of the company. Patricia is an avid tennis player and is a regular 1st team tennis player for Hove Park Tennis Club.

Josh Pollard

New Business Manager

Josh Pollard

New Business Manager

Josh is responsible for bringing new clients to QCG. His knowledge of the Care Sector ensures all clients receive insurance products that are fit for purpose. Josh is a keen tennis and football player, achieving county level in tennis.

Dean Wallace

Senior Business Development Executive

Dean Wallace

Senior Business Development Executive

Dean joined the Business Development Team in 2019, bringing years of knowledge and experience of Sales and Customer Service to develop leads for the New Business team. Outside of work, Dean is a family man and a keen photographer, taking his camera everywhere he goes to get the perfect capture.

Lucy Robson

General Insurance Manager

Lucy Robson

General Insurance Manager

Lucy has worked in insurance for over 3 years, studying her Cert CII and Level 3 Insurance Practitioner Certificate alongside her job. Lucy works within the non-scheme division, dealing with our portfolio of General Insurance products. Having relocated from the Midlands, she now enjoys long walks along Brighton & Hove seafront, yoga, music, and spending time with friends and family.

Liam Ellis

Corporate Account Executive

Liam Ellis

Corporate Account Executive

Liam has been working in insurance for 5 years and is responsible for helping to grow our domiciliary care business and provide support to our clients. Passionate about football, Liam is a proud West Ham supporter.

Donna Attridge

Exisiting Business Manager

Donna Attridge

Exisiting Business Manager

Donna has worked in Insurance for 7 years with a background in claims and motor insurance. Donna looks after our existing clients, ensuring their customer experience is flawless. In her free time she enjoys dog walks, yoga, gardening and spending time with friends and family.

Errol Archer

Health & Social Care law expert

Errol Archer

Health & Social Care law expert

Errol Archer is a health and social care law expert. He deals with the Care Quality Commission and Health and Safety Executive, amongst other regulators.

Francesca Jeffrey

Partnership Manager

Francesca Jeffrey

Partnership Manager

Francesca has 20 years experience in insurance, covering all aspects of commercial and personal lines. She has worked in compliance auditing on mortgage and life policies working closely with IFA’s and mortgage advisers. Francesca will be bringing this knowledge and experience to the Business Solutions Team. In her spare time she likes to be outdoors and active with her two children.

Rebecca Allen

Business Development Executive

Rebecca Allen

Business Development Executive

Rebecca has 20 years’ experience in sales and prides herself on her ability to form warm, long-term relationships with her clients. She has worked in property sales and life insurance and has brought this experience with her to the insurance team at QCG. In her spare time, Rebecca likes to listen to live music, spend time with friends, and have lots of fun days out with her two young children.

Chris Lacey

Management Accountant

Chris Lacey

Management Accountant

Chris joined QCG in Sep 2021 having previously worked in financial services. Chris looks after the day to day running of the Finance department, ensuring debt is collected on time and insurers are paid in a timely manner. Chris is a keen skier and runner, and worked in many countries across Europe while in his 20s. He leads a more quiet life now, having relocated in 2017 to Brighton, where he also volunteers with Cubs.

Allison Rundle

Accounts Assistant

Allison Rundle

Accounts Assistant

Allison has 20 years of finance and banking experience and joined QCG to support the accounts department. In her spare time, she enjoys watching Nordic dramas, gardening and experiencing new cuisines.

Karen Munday

Corporate Account Handler

Karen Munday

Corporate Account Handler

Karen joined QCG June 2022, bringing on board over 30 years of commercial insurance experience, including working with domiciliary care risks. Karen loves being a Granny to her two grandchildren and enjoys gardening and growing her own veg, as well as walks with her miniature schnauzer Troy.

Alan Ford

Marketing Manager

Alan Ford

Marketing Manager

“Alan is a career marketing professional and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM). He supports the communication of services from all departments, to meet clients and staff needs, managing marketing output in line with the company’s strategic objectives. He is passionate about delivering high-quality, tailored marketing communications and developing long term business relationships, both internally and externally. Outside the office Alan enjoys most sports. His passion from an early age was football, watching Arsenal FC from aged 4 years old, on the North Bank with his Dad, but finding he could not play the sport that well, found himself playing Rugby and various martial arts, later specialising in Tae Kwon Do. He also enjoys, going to the pub, eating out and relaxing with his wife and three children.”

Doug Walsh

Business Development Executive

Doug Walsh

Business Development Executive

Doug is an experienced insurance professional, having worked in several areas of the industry, including risk management and claims. He has spent the last 8 years broking and particularly enjoys sourcing the right cover at the right price, for both new and existing clients. Outside of work Doug enjoys going out with friends, going to the beach, and reading philosophy.

Jake Cornford

Business Support Executive

Jake Cornford

Business Support Executive

Jake brings a wealth of experience to his role in the Business Support Team at Quality Care Group, having worked in a similar role in London, before moving down to the Brighton & Hove area. Bringing a well organised, keen eye for detail he is an integral part of the team. He is a real people person having worked in the hospitality industry in previous positions to a wide range of clientele, across an extensive list of events at some exclusive locations. In his spare time Jake enjoys listening to music and reading sci-fi novels

Emily Whiting

Claims Assistant Manager

Emily Whiting

Claims Assistant Manager

Emily began working in insurance in 2008. Having worked in a variety of customer service, management and sales roles throughout the years. She completed her Cert CII qualification a few years ago and is now studying towards her Insurance Diploma. She worked at QCG previously and is delighted to return, to work alongside Claims Manager Jade Concannon, with a strong focus on customer service excellence. Whilst Insurance is her main career focus, she is also a qualified primary school teacher and she has completed a Law Degree with the Open University. Outside of work you will find her balancing exercise and a social life, whilst looking after her two children!

Mike Tait

Head of Care Recruitment

Mike Tait

Head of Care Recruitment

Mike Tait is a recruitment industry expert with an impressive 18-year track record in specialist recruitment within the care and healthcare sector. With a deep understanding of the unique requirements and challenges faced by private healthcare organisations, Mike has successfully assisted numerous clients in filling their senior appointments across clinical and non-clinical domains. Outside of work hours, when the weather and time allows, Mike says "I love to "trying" to play golf.... "

Simon van Os

Head of Customer Solutions

Simon van Os

Head of Customer Solutions

Simon van Os brings with him over 25 years’ experience in customer success, service delivery and product management across a variety of industries. With a strong passion for customer excellence, relationship building and business growth, Simon has successfully assisted many clients with business improvement, scalable growth initiatives and strategic problem solving. He is responsible for our Business Solutions offering and is always actively looking for ways to help support and improve your business. Outside of work, Simon’s other loves are his family, his music and his Labrador ‘Snoop’.

Keely Featherstone

Business Development Executive

Keely Featherstone

Business Development Executive

I am a business development professional, from a backgroud that includes charity and care, in environments of broking and underwriting. I enjoy collaborating on projects, and bringing the worlds of insurance and business together. I love a quiz, I enjoy cooking - trying out new recipes and kitchen gadgets. I'm based over Eastbourne way where I live with my hubby, our daughter and our dog Luna.

Stephen Taylor

Business Development Executive

Stephen Taylor

Business Development Executive

I am a business development professional, from a background that includes- private medical insurance, variety of commercial lines and software as a service sales. I enjoy getting involved with projects, contributing to business growth and bringing the worlds of insurance and business together. I have a passion for food and travel, recreating my favourite dishes from around the world. Recently moved to Hove with my spouse, and really embracing the seaside lifestyle. Even the pesky seagulls haven’t phased me, yet.

Zak Paling

Business Development Executive

Zak Paling

Business Development Executive

Having worked as a domestic carer whilst completing a degree in finance, Zak has a genuine passion and understanding for the industries we serve. He is grateful to be able to support the people who are responsible for helping the vulnerable and is focused on identifying their problems to provide tailored solutions. As a keen drummer, you can be sure he "never misses a beat!”

George Skinner

Comercial Account Handler

George Skinner

Comercial Account Handler

George deals with commercial account handling, responsible for providing exceptional service to our prestigious client base, ensuring the cover for our clients is tailored to their individual needs. George enjoys spending his weekends golfing, playing rugby and socialising at the pub with his friends.

Gabby Gill-Donald

Marketing Assistant

Gabby Gill-Donald

Marketing Assistant

Gabriella’s creativity and passion for producing digital content helps to support the marketing team. Outside of working, Gabriella’s other loves are all things nature, health and wellbeing (yoga, breathwork, ice plunges), superfood bone broth and babysitting her brother’s dog Ponk (rescued all the way from Romania).

Ben Simmonds

Corporate Claims Handler

Ben Simmonds

Corporate Claims Handler

Ben deals with corporate claims