Heidi Stanley

In 2018, Heidi became Joint Director of StanleySmith Case Management, which has since grown to include an office-based team, 17 case managers, and between 80 and 100 employed carers at any one time.  Through both her director and case management roles, she has developed a strong understanding of the care package requirements for all clients.

Heidi has significant experience in the recruitment and management of employed care teams, as well as in establishing agency care packages.  She jointly led the organisation’s CQC registration process, playing a key role in developing policies and procedures, implementing HR processes, and establishing systems that promote high standards of clinical governance and effective incident management.  These systems ensure that clients receive support that is enabling, safe, responsive, well-led, caring and effective.

Heidi also oversees any issues or incidents relating to the moving and handling of clients and carers within her case management company.  She has experience managing disciplinary matters within care teams, addressing team dynamics, and understands the implications of employment law in the effective management of care packages.

Heidi enjoys working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and works closely with rehabilitation professionals to ensure her clients’ needs are fully met.  She is frequently involved in matters relating to EHC plans, regularly liaising with education solicitors and expert witnesses to ensure that plans are appropriate and comprehensive.  As part of this work, Heidi collaborates closely with professionals across a range of disciplines, including educational psychology, clinical psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. She has also worked alongside habilitation specialists, vision impairment (VI) teachers, and orthotists.

Since that time Heidi has been an independent Paediatric OT, Case Manager and Expert Witness.  She has also completed a Masters and attained Advanced Membership of BABICM.  Heidi has been a Joint Director of StanleySmith Case Management since 2018.  As Director, she has implemented the care standards of practice required for the Care Quality Commission (CQC), met with CQC, and she oversees all operations within the company along with the other Director.  Heidi also holds a clinical caseload at StanleySmith Case Management. Prior to setting up StanleySmith Case Management, Heidi was at Westcountry Case Management for 9 years where she took a lead role with paediatric issues and provided mentoring for case managers.

Heidi is passionate to ensure that she remains up to date in her knowledge base.  She attends regular training.  Until January 2026 she was a member of BABICM’s Professional Practice and Membership group which met around 6 times a year.  Heidi was a member of this working party for 5 years.

Heidi has worked as an independent Expert Witness with Jacqueline Webb & Co since 2008.  She has extensive experience in writing reports on children with complex needs and has regularly attended case conferences and experts’ meetings.  Heidi has provided mentorship support to new paediatric experts joining the company.

Heidi considers her role as a Case Manager in particular helps her to evidence her recommendations when writing expert reports.  With over 17 years’ experience as a Case Manager, she continues to be Case Manager for a number of complex paediatric clients who have had neurological injury either at birth or as a result of an accident or illness following their birth.

As a Case Manager Heidi is an advocate for children and young people who have traumatic and acquired brain injuries.  She is passionate about the importance of rehabilitation and as part of that she co-ordinates with the child/young person, their family, relevant professionals and outside agencies in order to ensure their care, therapy, education, equipment, leisure and housing needs are being met.  She also gains statistical information so that she is able to evidence case management goals.

Heidi sets up and manages a vast range of private and agency care packages, regularly provides advice and support in sourcing and adapting suitable properties, makes assessments for wheelchair adapted vehicles and specialist equipment, and regularly co-ordinates with therapists, psychologists and teachers.  Heidi sets up and chairs therapy meetings to ensure that private and statutory therapists work together to meet the child/young person’s needs.

Heidi also supervises other case managers with paediatric clients.

Heidi has a special interest, sound knowledge and expertise in working with children and young people with neurological conditions, in particular acquired and traumatic brain injury.  She has extensive experience of carrying out assessments, including use of standardised tests.  As an Occupational Therapist she uses neuro-developmental and compensatory approaches to help maximise a child/young person’s potential.  She has worked with children and young people in their own home, school and leisure environments to promote their function and independence.  Heidi has gained extensive experience and skills in postural management, moving and handling, aids and equipment and housing issues.  She is also passionate about facilitating opportunities to promote play, leisure and hobbies in daily life.  She attends frequent training relevant to the work that she carries out.

2018-Present
Director and Case Manager
Stanley Smith Case Management

2008-2018
Case Manager
Westcountry Case Management

2008-Present
Independent Practitioner

2007-2008
Advanced Occupational Therapy Practitioner – Community Paediatric setting
Weston Area Health Trust, North Somerset

2007
Paediatric contract – carrying out paediatric assessments
Alexander Leigh Consultants

2003-2006
Senior I Paediatric Occupational Therapist – Community Paediatric setting
Plymouth Social Services

2001-2003
Senior II – Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Leicester City West NHS Trust

2000-2001
Senior II – Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Caldwell Hall School for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and challenging behaviour