Octopus Capital, part of Octopus Investments and a leading UK real estate investor and lender, has appointed Suzanne Mumford to its in-house Quality Assurance Team, further strengthening its commitment to delivering high-quality care across its care home portfolio.
Suzanne joins as a Dementia Specialist, bringing more than 40 years of experience in the social care sector. She is a Queen’s Nurse and is currently studying for a PhD at the University of Worcester. Suzanne spent nearly eight years at Care UK, most recently as Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia Services, where she led on the development and delivery of innovative, research-based care models across a national portfolio of homes. Suzanne has also held senior consultancy and quality improvement roles with a range of operators and training bodies, including Care Prepared, Hallmark Care Homes, Caring Homes, and Carebase.
Suzanne was recognised for her inspirational leadership at the 2022 National Dementia Care Awards and in 2024 received the William Rathbone X Award for Executive Leadership from the Queen’s Institute for Community Nursing.
In her new role at Octopus Capital, Suzanne will support the in-house Quality Assurance Team, of highly experienced registered nurses. The team provide expert guidance by carrying out in-person visits, mock inspections, best practice workshops, and clinical oversight. She will lead on the development and delivery of Octopus Capital’s dementia strategy, helping ensure all residents, and those living with dementia, experience safe, supportive and life-enhancing care in every Octopus Capital owned home.
Carrie Pilgrim, Quality Assurance Director at Octopus Capital, said: “We are delighted to welcome Suzanne to the team. She is widely respected in the care sector and brings a depth of dementia expertise that will help us continue to raise the bar across our portfolio.
“People living with dementia make up more than 81% of people in care homes across the UK, and 89% in England alone, making it key to support the sector with expert knowledge. The Quality Assurance Team at Octopus are in a unique position to be able to share best practice with a large number of operators nationally and internationally. We know how important it is for the daily care of people to get ahead and embed best practice at every level, from the board members through to daily care. With Suzanne in place, we’re confident we can continue to strengthen the sector by building on what’s already working well and ensuring care teams at every level have access to the latest research and innovation.”
Suzanne Mumford added: “I’ve dedicated much of my career to supporting people living with dementia and their families, and I am delighted to join a business that shares that passion. Octopus Capital is in a unique position to make a real difference – not only by investing in the development of modern, purpose-built care homes, but by supporting care providers on the ground to deliver truly person-centred care. I’m excited to be working with the team and partners across the portfolio to keep improving outcomes for residents.”