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ABOUT US

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT

Increasing the independent living skills of our supported individuals, enabling them to live as independently as possible.

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GOOD THINGS HAPPEN
WHEN YOU CARE

Empowering Individuals to Thrive

Verus are a family-run care and support provider based in Liverpool. Guided by our mission, we are dedicated to supporting children and young adults. to build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging. Since 2017, we have delivered safe, supportive environments that empower individuals to reach their full potential.

Verus are proud to be CQC and PAMMS-rated Good. Our values of respect, choice, and empowerment shape everything we do. Working in partnership with each individual, our dedicated team supports personal aspirations, encourages positive progression, and creates safe, supportive environments where people feel valued and understood. At Verus, we believe that effective, targeted support helps create pathways to opportunity, growth, and a positive future for the people we work alongside.

OUR SERVICES

WHO WE ARE

Our foundations lie in health and social care, and our organisation was born from a simple but deeply felt purpose: to stand with people when they need it most, offering guidance, connection, and the assurance that they do not have to face challenges alone. We believe in people and in their strength, their voice, and their limitless potential.

We are a team driven by compassion and shaped by lived experience. Guided by an effective, empathetic, and truly person-centred senior leadership team, every member of Verus is here because they genuinely want to uplift others. Together, we are committed to helping children, young people, and adults feel understood, supported, and empowered to move toward a future they can shape with pride and confidence.

MEET OUR DIRECTORS

James McDonnell

James McDonnell

Managing Director

With over 20 years’ experience in Health and Social Care, I began my career in frontline support, gaining a deep understanding of the needs, strengths and challenges of the individuals I worked alongside. I later transitioned into education, supporting both large cohorts and targeted groups of children and young people with SEND, SEMH and those affected by trauma, exploitation or criminality. Working with hard‑to‑engage learners and achieving meaningful, sustained outcomes strengthened my commitment to trauma‑informed, relationship‑based practice.
 
I subsequently returned to the Social Care sector, progressing into senior leadership roles where I developed extensive expertise in safeguarding, regulatory compliance, operational management and service development. Having worked at every level of provision, I bring a practical, balanced and outcome‑focused approach that prioritises both quality and accountability.
 
Today, drawing on my experience and knowledge, I lead services that prioritise safety, stability and measurable outcomes. I am committed to transforming challenges into opportunities through strategic direction, effective team leadership and a consistent focus on delivering high‑quality, person‑centred support.
Rhea Fennell Rutherford

Rhea Fennell-Rutherford

Director of Operations

My passion is building strong teams, streamlining operations, and driving sustainable business growth, all while keeping people at the centre of every decision. Recruitment, business development, and operational excellence are my core strengths. I love transforming challenges into opportunities, whether that means scaling a business, nurturing talent, or navigating day-to-day hurdles with patience, empathy, and a strategic mindset.

People are complicated, ever changing, human! My leadership style is hands-on and people-first. I believe in empowering my team, championing their goals, and creating an environment where everyone can succeed. I am equally committed to supporting others and standing firm when it matters, because true leadership is about balance.