In Conversation with our CEO, Bev Craney

Our CEO, Bev Craney, is always busily working away behind the scenes here at SWALLOW Charity. Read on to find out about some of her perspectives on the charity and to find out a little more about her too...

How many years have you been working at SWALLOW?

I have worked for SWALLOW since 1997, so almost 30 years, although I did leave for very short time 20 years ago. 

Can you tell us about your SWALLOW journey – how you started and progressed in the charity?

I had been working as a care home manager in Birmingham since 1988, before moving to Somerset and I started as a support work at Redfield Road in March 1997.  It has been an incredibly rewarding journey watching SWALLOW grow and evolve over time.

I have always been extremely passionate about giving people with a learning disability a voice and the fact that SWALLOW is a user-led charity really attracted me.   A few months after starting, I was asked to become the Registered Manager.  

I have always worked directly alongside the people that we support and I believe I have an understanding of their needs and the needs of their families too.

Over time, as SWALLOW has grown, I have taken on additional responsibilities and moved from Registered Manager to General Manager and each progression has given me a broader perspective, eventually leading to my current position as Chief Executive. 

How has SWALLOW changed over the years?

SWALLOW has grown significantly, when I started we were a team of 7 people and we now employ 67 people, however I believe that we have managed to retain a small family feel, with many people having worked for SWALLOW for 10 plus years. 

Over time we have inevitably become more professional and structured but we remain true to our core values and despite the growth, the heart of SWALLOW – always striving to offer quality caring user led support - has remained constant.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My role is an honour and a privilege to fulfil.  I thoroughly enjoy the company of others and watching them develop and grow in confidence - whether it’s the individuals we support, or our dedicated staff team.  The positive impact of SWALLOW’s work and the difference we make in people’s lives is what motivates me every day.

What do you find most challenging about your role?

Balancing the demands on our resources, especially financial resources, with the need that is out there is a constant challenge.  It is vital that SWALLOW continues to provide high-quality support, as this is what our members deserve.  I firmly believe that if we can’t offer quality support, why are we providing services at all - as any service provider can offer a service, we need to ensure that ours is of the highest standard.  

We also need to ensure that we remain a responsive employer that values our staff team, as happy staff ensures that our members remain happy and well supported.

These challenges appear to increase year on year.  After the pandemic I had an optimistic and perhaps naive belief that social care would receive the recognition it truly deserves.  However, I do believe that these challenges have also driven the SWALLOW team to become extremely creative and innovative to ensure that our great work continues and our enthusiasm hasn’t dwindled.

Do you have a favourite SWALLOW memory to share?

There are so many memorable moments, but I enjoyed supporting members to the Houses of Parliament, when we took part in the parliamentary review and also supporting members to attend the Somerset Business Awards in 2024 - when we won!

I have also thoroughly enjoyed our anniversary celebrations and our barn dances and balls over the years.  We absolutely know how to throw the best parties where no one is too shy to dance or sing and generally let their hair down. 

However, having said that, our everyday achievements must not be overlooked.  Seeing someone gain confidence, try something new, or reach a personal goal. Those moments, while sometimes small, are incredibly powerful and remind me why our work matters.

What (if any) changes in the future would you love to see at SWALLOW?

I would love to see SWALLOW continue to expand.  There are many more people that need our services.  We would like more supported housing, a second Base House and to support more people through our outreach service.  These are all exciting possibilities for the future.

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I am now a Granny to my beautiful grandson Noah and I will soon have a granddaughter too.  I love to unwind walking in nature whenever I can, if I find a country pub along the path then all the better.  This is my way of recharging and gaining a fresh perspective to start work again.