Welcome to new trustee Harriet Smith

We recently welcomed three new trustees to the Aspens' board: Joanna Ford, Simon Riddiford and Harriet Smith.

To help get to know our new trustees a little better, we'll be sharing a Q & A interview with each of them over the next few weeks, starting this week with Harriet.

Harriet built her career in the healthcare sector, where she gained extensive experience managing and launching organisations, including SMEs, franchises, and entities within the NHS. This journey led her to own and manage Braeburn Care, a multi-site domiciliary care business, which she later grew in partnership with her father when they acquired and expanded Sammons Recruitment Group. Throughout her career, Harriet has honed her expertise in operational leadership, strategic development, recruitment, branding, marketing, and IT. 

1. What inspired you to become a trustee for Aspens? 

I’ve long admired the work Aspens does to promote inclusion and empower individuals. As someone with very close ties to the care sector, I felt it was the right time to offer my experience in a meaningful way. Becoming a trustee allows me to contribute to a cause that genuinely aligns with my personal values and the values of both my businesses too. 
 
2. What do you do in your career and tell us about your professional background?
 
I’m the founder and CEO of Braeburn Care, an independent home care business delivering person-centred support across West Kent and East Sussex. I also own Sammons Recruitment Group, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality temporary, contract, permanent and executive search solutions to a wide range of clients from our offices across the South East. My background is in care leadership, recruitment and business management, with over a decade’s experience developing services, managing teams, and growing organisations that are values-led and quality-driven.
 
3. What is the most important skill that you bring as a trustee for Aspens?
 
I bring a practical understanding of care service delivery, along with strategic thinking and hands-on experience in governance, compliance, and workforce development. I’m also deeply people-focused, which helps when making balanced, values-based decisions that put individuals first.
 
4. Why is Aspens’ work and our vision for an inclusive society where people on the autism spectrum and those with learning disabilities can thrive as part of their local community so important to you?
 
Everyone deserves to live a life filled with opportunity, dignity, and connection. I’ve seen first-hand how the right support can transform someone’s sense of independence and belonging. Aspens’ commitment to inclusion, empowerment and community resonates with both my professional purpose and personal values.
 
5. What are you looking forward to about being a trustee for Aspens?
 
I’m really looking forward to working alongside other trustees and the wider Aspens team to help shape the future of the organisation. I’m excited to bring my energy and insight into strategic discussions, forward-thinking, and ensure the voices of the people we support remain at the centre of all we do.
 
6. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
 
I love spending time with my friends and family, discovering new places to eat and travelling when possible. I also enjoy getting stuck into property renovation projects when I find the time!
 
7. What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?
 
I was brought up in the Middle East, living in both Bahrain and Oman until returning to the UK at the age of 14. It gave me a very different upbringing to many of my friends, connections and colleagues, and I think it’s shaped my outlook, resilience, and appreciation for different cultures and ways of life.
 
8. What is your favourite food?
 
Definitely a Thai curry - anything with a lot of spice! I love bold flavours and dishes that pack a punch.
 
9. If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
 
Teleportation! I’d love to be able to visit people or places instantly - perfect for a busy day juggling work, family and trustee responsibilities.

10. Tell us a joke 

Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field! ðŸŒ¾ðŸ˜„

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