Celebrating a career of commitment

At the end of this year, we’ll be waving a fond farewell to Kevin Moore, our much-respected Director of Operations, as he retires after an incredible 13 years with Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

Kevin joined the charity in June 2012 after a remarkable 30-year career in the NHS, a journey that began at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where he met his wife, Helen. The pair swapped city life for the Shropshire countryside in 1996 when Kevin became Manager of Bridgnorth Hospital, and the county has been home ever since.

His path first crossed with our Chief Executive, Heather Osborne, when both worked for different organisations providing social care and community health services, and fate clearly had plans for a reunion. When Kevin joined Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, he brought with him not only a Master’s in Gerontology (the study of ageing, for those who haven’t yet mastered that pub quiz answer!) but also a deep passion for improving care and support for older people.

Kevin started with us on a part-time, six-month job share as Deputy Chief Executive, but was offered the role of Director of Operations, using his wealth of NHS experience to build bridges between the charity and health professionals across the county. “Through Heather, the charity had great links with local authorities,” Kevin explained, “but I could help us develop stronger relationships with the NHS, and that’s been one of the things I’ve been most proud of.”

But if you ask Kevin what his real proudest achievement is, it isn’t the partnerships, the projects, or even the policies. It’s the people. “I’m retiring comfortable in the knowledge that I’m leaving behind a really strong team,” he said. “I’ve often promoted from within and supported people in their personal development. There’s now a great mix of experience, enthusiasm, and energy, and that’s what makes this place so special.”

Looking ahead, Kevin is full of optimism for the future of the charity: “Change can be scary, but it can also be exciting, so lean into it! We’ve had a very stable senior team for over a decade, which has been a real benefit, but the charity is in good hands. There are so many bright people here ready to carry it forward.”

As for retirement? Kevin has no plans to sit still. He’ll be putting his organisational skills to good use as an invigilator at Harper Adams University, keeping students calm during exam season, and he’s even planning to learn to swim, proving it’s never too late to take the plunge!

Of course, Kevin’s love of music is well-known to all who’ve worked with him, and he fully intends to keep drumming and rehearsing with local musicians.

Reflecting on his career, Kevin shared: “I’ve been very lucky to have the career I’ve had. I’ve had some fascinating roles and great experiences within the NHS, but working here has been my favourite job!”

From everyone at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, thank you, Kevin, for your leadership, your kindness, your humour, and your endless dedication. We wish you every happiness (and plenty of rhythm) in your well-earned retirement!