Gary Blythe
Quality & Development Manager
Gary joined Acorn in March 2022, initially as a Project Manager before stepping into the role of Quality & Development Manager. His focus is clear: help shape new services, improve the way things are done, and always look for opportunities to make life better for the people Acorn supports.
Before joining Acorn, Gary worked for City of York Council for 37 years — starting as a Social Worker and eventually becoming a Team Manager in Adult Social Care. He also led as a Team Leader in the Major Incident Response Team, covering York and North Yorkshire. This wealth of experience has shaped Gary’s approach to care: person-led, purposeful, and responsive to change.
Having worked alongside Acorn in his previous roles, Gary already knew the charity’s reputation. He had seen first-hand how the team supported people in ways that were meaningful, lasting, and full of dignity. So when the chance came to join, he didn’t hesitate.
Now part of the team, Gary is proud to play a role in pushing quality even further — and in helping Acorn grow with integrity, care, and a commitment to always doing what’s right.