Andy Gilbert

Background

About Andy Gilbert

I’m a purpose-driven senior leader with over 25 years' experience across social care, health, and the voluntary sector. I specialise in inclusive service transformation, strategic leadership, and community-led approaches —having successfully grown Direct Payments uptake in Knowsley, secured over in funding, and led teams through periods of change and growth. I bring a strong track record in safeguarding, GDPR compliance, and service delivery across complex contracts. I’m deeply committed to accessibility and Deaf inclusion, holding a BSL Level 1 Award with personal and professional motivation to progress. My leadership is grounded in equity, collaboration, and cultural awareness—ensuring that our experience of life shapes both strategy and frontline delivery. Influenced and mentored by international pioneers in self-directed support, person-centred planning, recovery, and supported living, I’ve spent over three decades shaping inclusive practice and systems change. Co-founder and Director of Keepwell, a survivor-led social enterprise delivering innovative recovery-focused training, events, and publications. In 2005, I co-founded and chaired the National Brokerage Network, supporting individuals and families navigating complex care through independent brokerage. As a Senior Operational Manager I led supported living services for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs, and since 1992, I’ve been a person-centred planning facilitator—trained by North American leaders. I’m proud to have served on the board of People First (Merseyside) for seven years and partnered with the Merseyside Joint Training Partnership to co-produce development programmes with self-advocates, families, and providers. My consultancy work with NDTi reflects a long-standing commitment to transformative, person-led approaches grounded in equity and community empowerment.