The team at Oyster Care Homes are a dedicated and compassionate group of professionals who are the heart and soul of our homes.

Tim Buckley

Chief Executive Officer

Previously trained and operated in international tourism, Tim joined health and social care in 2009 with a passion, understanding and commitment to make each day special. Since then, Tim’s career has spanned personal care (including night shifts) to Chief Operating Officer across 28 residential, dementia and nursing care homes. Teamwork and leadership, underpinned with wholesome values creates a culture of excellence for resident, families, friends, team members and the wider community alike.

It is with this experience and passion, that Oyster Care Homes is devoted to making a real difference. Our wonderful eco-friendly luxurious homes support our residents life style and well-being. Our skilled team share our principles of trust, dignity, care, compassion and respect.

When Tim’s not spending time with our residents, families and team, you can find him with his family. Based in Hampshire, Tim is passionate about anything on or in the water, often sailing his boat or seeking adventure travelling, skiing and generally loving life.

Em Dean

Managing Director

Em is a dedicated nursing professional who embarked on her care journey in 1997, always delivering compassionate quality care in various management and senior management roles across the healthcare sector. Em’s true passion lies in championing quality care within safe, nurturing environments, where residents can truly thrive and live fulfilled lives. Her commitment to ensuring the well-being of those under her care is unwavering. As Managing Director of Oyster Care Homes, Em’s wealth of experience has equipped her with the knowledge and insight to drive positive change, exemplifying this with her unique caring and enthusiastic approach, setting excellent standards for residents, families and the wider team. In her spare time Em loves to spend time with her family, walking her dogs and enjoys cooking. Em has also worked as a community first responder and is a volunteer responder for the NHS.

Harry Garston

Regional Director - South East

Harry is an experienced professional in the care sector, with a dynamic background that blends discipline, leadership, and a deep commitment to improving lives. After serving four years in the army, Harry returned to the UK and embarked on a new career in care. He initially took on a role in sales, where his strong communication and strategic thinking quickly set him apart. Driven by his passion for making a difference, Harry soon progressed into management and commissioning, taking on responsibilities that shaped the care services he was part of. His military background instilled in him a keen sense of organisation, resilience, and team leadership, all of which have been invaluable in his care sector roles.

Harry is a family man, married with three young boys, who keep him busy and grounded. Outside of his professional life, he is an enthusiastic supporter of Millwall Football Club, and he can often be found at The Den, passionately cheering on his team. Balancing his love for football with his commitment to family and career, Harry brings energy, focus, and dedication to everything he does, always striving to deliver the best outcomes for those in his care.

Niki Richards

Regional Director - South Central

Niki is an experienced healthcare professional with a dynamic background that blends discipline, leadership, and a deep commitment to improving lives. A qualified nurse since 1985, she has worked across both the healthcare and social care sectors, progressing into senior management and regulatory roles. Her dedication to delivering high-quality care and her passion for people continually motivate her to ensure those in her care live their best lives, while also inspiring her teams to reach their full potential. Niki leads by example, driving improvement and nurturing a positive, supportive culture.

A proud Navy mum, Niki’s son is actively serving in the Royal Navy. She also cares for her elderly mother, who lives with her. Niki is a devoted dog lover who enjoys walking on her local beach and participating in local beach-cleaning projects.

Virgil Frincu

Regional Director - South West

Virgil is a dedicated health and social care professional with more than 13 years of experience, including over 10 years in the UK. He began his career as a paramedic and later became a qualified nurse, also studied management in health and social care. Known for fostering trust-based relationships with residents, families, and colleagues, Virgil is passionate about delivering kind and compassionate care; he has successfully led diverse teams to achieve high standards of care and compliance, driving continuous improvement and positive outcomes across multiple services.

Outside of work, Virgil is an enthusiastic motorcyclist and avid traveller. In recent years, he has taken up watercraft activities, embracing a more adventurous side. His growing interest in psychology and counselling has inspired him to enrol in a three-year course, further enhancing his ability to support and connect with others.

Katy Hague

Chief of Staff

Our Chief of Staff, Katy, is delighted to have joined the Oyster Care Homes team and brings with her a strong background in HR, training and operations. Katy’s passion for people is the driving force behind everything she does, whether that be supporting our team members on their Oyster journey, or spending time in our homes to ensure that our residents receive top quality care. With a focus on health and well-being, Katy is an advocate for living life to the fullest and believes in creating a safe, nurturing and approachable environment for team members, residents and their families.

Gulchin Sinar

Regional Head Chef

Dan Bright

Quality Manager

Dan is an experienced and highly dedicated carer who has worked in the health and social care sector in some capacity since the age of 18. He has significant experience caring for those living with dementia and those with complex physical, social and emotional needs. Very much a hands-on carer Dan believes in championing holistic and high-quality care in all that he does. Dan has recently progressed to the position of Quality Manager and he is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of care throughout our homes. This is achieved through close monitoring of our care systems to ensure that we exceed all expectations and continue to meet the exacting standards required to provide an outstanding level of care.

Eve Pursall

Regional Trainer

Eve – Regional Trainer

Eve has 12 years of experience in the care sector, beginning her journey after completing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biosciences in 2012. Initially unsure of her career direction, she started as a community support worker before progressing through various roles at a local care home, including care assistant, senior care assistant, care home trainer, and business administrator.

Early in her career, Eve discovered a true passion for the care sector, particularly in supporting the elderly and building strong relationships with residents and colleagues. She is excited to join the training and development team and looks forward to contributing new ideas and courses.

Outside of work, Eve enjoys spending quality time with her family, solving puzzles, and tackling the Rubik’s Cube. She loves being by the seaside and skiing in the mountains, and when she wants to unwind and express her creativity, she turns to watercolour painting.

Sarah Taylor

Care Plan Manager

Becky Crichton

Head of Marketing

Becky brings over a decade of experience in the marketing industry, Combining a blend of creativity and strategic thinking to our team. She is passionate about sharing stories that highlight the exceptional care and innovative practices at our homes.

When she is not developing marketing campaigns or brainstorming with the team, you can find her enjoying time with family and friends, watching any kind of sport, or just being outside.

Lucy Lester

Customer Relationship Manager

With a strong background in customer service and sales, Lucy understands the importance of delivering a seamless and supportive customer journey. As a dedicated member of the regional team, she not only provides exceptional service but also supports and empowers her colleagues to do the same. Her warmth, expertise, and commitment to excellence ensure that both clients and team members feel valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Outside of work, Lucy enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors with her dogs, and taking every opportunity to go kayaking.

Wendy Peacock

Executive Assistant

Wendy joined Oyster Care Homes in January 2024, right at the beginning of the Oyster journey. She started as a Front of House Manager before moving into her current role as Executive Assistant, where she supports the senior leadership team. Wendy transitioned into the care sector around three years ago, following a long and successful career in HR leadership. She is passionate about working for a company that prioritises exceptional care and strives to create a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment where every resident feels truly valued, respected, and supported.

Cassia Jordan

Regional Recruiter - South East

Cassia brings a range of experience from within the NHS as an HCA band 3 delivering care to patients rehabilitating from strokes. She also brings over 2 years recruitment experience in aviation providing full service recruitment from initial screening to appointment and ensuring an exceptional customer service to all candidates. Cassia’s account management skills have been honed across a variety of roles in fast paced, challenging sectors. Cassia has a caring nature and is enthusiastic about giving people the best opportunities within the care sector.

Anna Pickard

Regional Recruiter - South West

I have worked in the care industry for about 15 years and have had various roles including Care Assistant, Senior Care Assistant and Business Administrator. I have experience in all areas of administration, recruitment and training. I have helped commission a home which was a real first for me and I enjoyed every part of it. My passion has always been with recruitment which is why I have taken this great opportunity with Oyster Care Homes.