Meet the Manager: Celebrating Eloise Percival at Tarry Hill

Tucked away in the scenic countryside of High Peak, Derbyshire, Tarry Hill is a truly distinctive residential care service supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. Unlike traditional large-scale residential models, Tarry Hill champions a unique cluster approach, with a collection of five smaller shared homes designed around compatibility, not capacity. This layout creates a more personalised and calming environment, enabling people to live alongside others they connect with, while still benefiting from shared outdoor space, communal activities, and consistent support. Life here is built on voice, choice, and participation with the people we support shaping their own routines, spaces, and futures in ways that reflect who they truly are.

We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Eloise Percival, who has recently been promoted to Registered Manager at Tarry Hill. Eloise’s journey with iBC Healthcare began over seven years ago, starting as a part-time support worker. Over time, she’s grown through the roles of senior support worker, team leader, deputy, and service manager, each step shaping her deep, practical understanding of the sector. “Every step has given me a new perspective,” she says, “and I think that lived experience at each level really helps me lead with empathy and clarity.” Eloise’s passion for social care and making a difference in people’s lives continues to drive her leadership and vision for the home.

We recently met with Eloise for a Q&A to help you get to know the person leading support packages at Tarry Hill.

Thank you! It’s been quite a journey. I’ve been with iBC for seven years now, starting out as a part-time support worker. From there, I moved into a full-time role, then progressed through senior support worker, team leader, deputy, and service manager – and now I’m proud to be the Registered Manager. Every step has given me a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the people we support, and I think that lived experience at each level really helps me lead with empathy and clarity. I’ve always been passionate about social care – making a genuine difference in people’s lives is what inspired me to start this career, and that inspiration continues to grow.

Tarry Hill has come a long way. When I first started here, we were rated ‘Inadequate’, but through hard work, reflection, and real cultural change, we’ve achieved a ‘Good’ rating. It’s not just about ticking boxes; there’s a real homely atmosphere now. People have clear goals, and we support them in meaningful ways to reach their outcomes. There’s pride in the home now – a real identity and sense of community.

Everyday life here is as unique as the people who live with us – and that’s exactly how it should be. We focus on truly person-centred care. What a good day looks like is different for everyone, just as it is in our own lives. One of the things that makes Tarry Hill special is our setup – the people we support have often lived together for years, and that familiarity brings comfort and connection. It’s not just a service; it’s a community built on trust, laughter, and shared experiences.

Residential care, when done well, offers stability, structure, and companionship that many people need to thrive. At Tarry Hill, we’re proud of our cluster layout – smaller home dynamics with tailored compatibility. This setup means people live in groups where they genuinely get on, which reduces anxiety and fosters independence. It’s responsive, it’s flexible, and it doesn’t feel institutional. Not everyone flourishes in supported living – for some, residential care isn’t just suitable, it’s transformative.

We lead with voice, choice, and participation. People shape their days – from routines to meals to how their space looks and feels. We involve everyone in planning and review meetings, and our staffing reflects the preferences of the people we support. Whether it’s picking out new furniture, planning activities, or choosing how they want their week to run, our aim is always to co-create – not dictate.

I get asked this quite often, and my mind always goes back to my days as a support worker. There was a young man we supported who wouldn’t access the community on foot – everything had to be done by car. Over time, with patience and consistency, we supported him to walk to the local park and eventually take short walks nearby. It might seem like a small thing to some, but it was a huge achievement for him. On his final day before moving to a new placement back in-borough, we walked to a nearby field, and he ran around freely before sitting in the grass, smiling with the staff team. I remember thinking: This – this is what my job is about.

It’s all about communication and consistency. When we’re all aligned – families, MDTs, and iBC – the outcomes are stronger. We set shared goals, celebrate even the small steps, and check in regularly to stay connected. True partnership means listening to each other and staying focused on what’s best for the individual. When that happens, everyone feels like part of the journey.

As a working mum, I’ll be honest – hobbies are a bit of a luxury! But when I do get a bit of time to myself, I really value peace and quiet. I love a good TV show to unwind, and I’ll never say no to some great tapas! I think that need for calm and balance definitely shapes how I lead – I try to create a supportive, low-stress environment where people feel heard, respected, and able to be themselves. Whether it’s our team or the people we support, I believe that when people feel settled and comfortable, they thrive.

I’d love to build on the progress we’ve made and keep raising the bar – not just in compliance, but in culture. I want Tarry Hill to be a place where people feel proud to live and work. My vision is a home full of life, laughter, and opportunity, where everyone is seen, heard, and supported to thrive.