Codie Walton

Codie is the Head of Service at Hedley’s Horizons and Horizons North Shields, our specialist adult day service provision.

Codie is responsible for overseeing the entire day service provision and leading the Horizons team, ensuring the ongoing development and success of our adult learners.

Find out about Horizons >

How long have you worked at the Percy Hedley Foundation?

I started with the Percy Hedley Foundation in May 2024.

What has your journey been within the Foundation to get to where you are today?

I initially joined the Foundation to lead the transition of its first deregistration project, overseeing the move from a registered service to the organisation’s first Independent Supported Living service.

Subsequently, I provided support within Horizons Day Services during a period of organisational change, following its separation from the education service. During this time, I was appointed Assistant Head of Service and, as of June 2025, I have been serving as Head of Service.

What does an average day look like for you?

An average day in my role is varied and dynamic. As Head of Service, I oversee the full day service provision, leading a workforce of over 160 staff as well as a full multidisciplinary therapy team. My responsibilities encompass both operational and strategic leadership – ensuring that services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory and organisational standards, while maintaining a strong focus on quality, innovation, and person-centred outcomes.

A typical day involves meeting with service managers and therapy leads to review performance, staffing and service delivery, as well as addressing any immediate operational or clinical priorities. I also lead and contribute to a range of organisational projects and service development initiatives, supporting continuous improvement and the ongoing evolution of our services.

I work closely with colleagues across departments, including Learning and Development and HR to ensure our teams are well-supported, trained and confident in delivering high-quality, outcome-focused support. I also prioritise direct engagement with the people we support and their families to ensure our services continue to reflect their goals, preferences and aspirations.

No two days are the same, but every day is always focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for the individuals we support and ensuring that both our staff and therapy teams have the leadership, resources, and guidance they need to deliver exceptional care.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in your time at the Foundation?

One of the most significant changes I have seen has been the ongoing development of Horizons to fully align with CQC regulations and best practice. We’ve introduced a strong governance framework, including regular audits and structured supervision, to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

We’ve also made significant strides in staff culture, creating a more positive, empowering environment that allows for greater flexibility and autonomy in support delivery. This shift to a person-centred and responsive model of care has led to a reduction in restrictive practices and a stronger, more confident understanding of safeguarding.

Care planning and risk management are now more comprehensive, using the Local Authority care assessment as a foundation for developing individualised care plans, ensuring that all support is clearly evidenced and tailored to each person’s needs.

Finally, a major milestone has been successfully expanding Horizons to a new site. I coordinated this development, working closely with multiple departments across the Foundation to ensure a smooth transition and effective integration of services.

What's your favourite part about your role?

My favourite part of the role is seeing the positive impact our teams have on the lives of the people we support. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness individuals achieve their goals, develop new skills and gain greater independence as a result of the dedication and teamwork across our staff and therapy teams.

I also value the opportunity to lead and develop such a passionate and committed workforce. Supporting staff to grow in confidence, take on new challenges and deliver high-quality, person-centred care is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my position.

Ultimately, being part of a forward-thinking organisation that continually strives to improve outcomes and innovate within the sector makes the role both meaningful and inspiring.

What is your greatest memory of working at the Foundation? 

Although I have not been with the Foundation for a long period of time, one of my greatest memories so far has been overseeing and leading the opening of Horizons’ brand-new service in North Shields. This has been an incredibly positive development for both the service and the Foundation as a whole. Seeing the significant impact it has already had on the people we support, in terms of opportunities, engagement and outcomes has been truly rewarding and stands out as a key highlight of my time here.

A piece of advice to someone joining the Foundation? 

Embrace every opportunity to learn and get involved. The Foundation is a supportive and forward-thinking organisation that truly values innovation, collaboration and personal growth. Take the time to understand our values and the people we support – this will give real meaning and purpose to your work.

Be open-minded, proactive and willing to adapt; no two days are ever the same in this environment. Most importantly, take pride in the positive difference you make each day – every role, no matter how big or small, contributes to improving the lives of everyone who accesses our service.

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