Camphill Community Glencraig – a specialist community in Holywood looking after children, young people and adults with complex learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and other special needs – has announced the appointment of Gillian Somerville as Chief Executive. Gillian replaces Paul Betts who retired in April 2026.
Gillian is a FCIPD HR professional and has over 30 years’ experience working in Human Resources & Organisational Development across health & social care, and housing. She joins Camphill Community Glencraig with a proven track record of operating at a senior and board level in dynamic environments.
Camphill Community Glencraig
Jacqui Devlin served as interim Chief Executive whilst the recruitment process was underway. She said, “As an independent charity, our primary purpose is to focus on the distinct needs of every individual that we care for to help them to live an enriched life. Gillian will bring both strategic direction and empathy to our organisation. Our Management Council is confident that under her leadership we will continue to operate in a way that ensures our values are realised so that Glencraig remains a place where individuals are given the chance to reach their potential.”
Camphill School Glencraig is part of the wider Camphill Community – a network of more than 50 communities across the UK and Ireland offering sector leading education and holistic care in an intentional community for pupils with complex needs. The Camphill approach combines individualised learning with therapeutic practice, personal development, and life skills, and is rooted in supporting each young person to build confidence, independence, and the foundations needed to thrive.
Camphill Community Glencraig has been pioneering this person-centred approach for over 70 years. Its setting reflects a microcosm of society with a farm and gardens, a college, and a school, which empowers community members to experience all the facets of a meaningful life, in an environment that promotes individuality.
Commenting on her appointment, and her ambition for the organisation, Gillian said, “Camphill School Glencraig provides an invaluable service to the individuals in our care, and their families. This role is both an honour and a responsibility, and I look forward to doing my best to ensure that we remain a place that delivers exceptional person-centred care. Our teams across the site are incredibly talented and caring, and I plan to strengthen the positive impact they already bring, whilst also supporting Glencraig to embrace new opportunities to deliver longevity.”
