Simon Tickner

Community Enterprise Catalyst (Devon)

Simon joined Community Catalysts at the end of 2022 as the Community Enterprise Catalyst for Devon. His core passion, for many years, has been in supporting people to get the right support at times and in ways that suit them, and for them to be in control of how this happens. He believes strongly in a ‘plain English’ approach and is keen to make things happen for people whilst, if possible, avoiding excessive bureaucracy!

Simon has worked across the public, private and third sectors during his career with the bulk of this work having been with not-for-profit organisations. He began working with young autistic people in the mid-90s before qualifying as a children’s social worker in the South East. Simon moved to Exeter in 2002 and most of his time in Devon has been spent working within CQC-regulated services. Most recently, Simon helped to set up and subsequently manage a new community-driven initiative, running a domiciliary care agency on Dartmoor. At the time this was an area of Devon where it was previously very difficult to source support for older people in their own homes.

With over 25 years’ of experience in the sector, Simon recognises many of the challenges that people face. He likes to help people to ‘think out of the box’, maximise their potential, and has a determination to connect people with the right support, services and people.

Outside of work, Simon loves his garden and allotment, his music, a little bit of homebrewing and seeing family (both in Devon and ‘up country’). He has lived in Exeter with his family for 20 years and also loves the fact that the coast, the moors and the fantastic countryside are all on his doorstep.