About us

As a socially conscious organisation, we are dedicated to offering high-quality services in the social care sector, working with both children and adults. Our aim is to support and elevate care standards, helping providers deliver exceptional care and support to those who need it most.

Our team   Contact us

About us

As a socially conscious organisation, we are dedicated to offering high-quality services in the social care sector, working with both children and adults. Our aim is to support and elevate care standards, helping providers deliver exceptional care and support to those who need it most.

Our team   Contact us

About us

As a socially conscious organisation, we are dedicated to offering high-quality services in the social care sector, working with both children and adults. Our aim is to support and elevate care standards, helping providers deliver exceptional care and support to those who need it most.

Our team   Contact us

Our Team

Anthony Howell

Anthony Howell

Founder & Managing Director, A.H. Lancer Consulting Ltd.

Anthony Howell is a dedicated leader in the social care sector and the founder of A.H. Lancer Consulting Ltd., a UK-based consultancy committed to elevating standards in children’s residential care and supported accommodation.

With extensive experience in both children and adult healthcare services, Anthony has developed exceptional relationship-building skills by working closely with care teams to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. His hands-on approach and commitment to empathy and understanding create a nurturing and supportive environment for both staff and Residents.

Anthony’s expertise in strategic planning ensures that the residential care homes operate efficiently, with resources thoughtfully allocated to meet the unique needs of each individual. Under his leadership, A.H. Lancer Consulting Ltd. has become known for its comprehensive Property Suitability and Pre-Registration Consultancy Package, a specialised service designed to help children’s homes and supported accommodations achieve Ofsted compliance. This package guides providers through every step of the registration process—from property assessments and action planning to policy development and risk assessments—laying a strong foundation for regulatory success.

With a steadfast commitment to fostering compassionate care environments and a strategic eye on operational excellence, Anthony Howell continues to make a positive impact on the UK social care landscape.


Kay Challand

Kay Challand

Consultant

Kay Challand is a distinguished social work professional and children’s services leader with over three decades of experience. She has seamlessly transitioned from frontline roles to senior management positions across local authorities and the voluntary sector, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to child welfare.

A registered Social Worker, Kay earned a Diploma in Social Work/Higher Education from De Montfort University in 1991, where she gained a deep understanding of the Children Act 1989, the Equal Opportunities Act 1981, and other key social services legislation. Further enhancing her leadership capabilities, she obtained a Diploma in Management Studies from Chesterfield College in 2003 and remains committed to continuous professional development as required by Social Work England.

Throughout her career, Kay has consistently upheld a steadfast child-centred approach, ensuring that the needs, wishes, and feelings of children remain at the heart of her practice. She strongly advocates for celebrating each young person’s individuality, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or ability. During her 14-year tenure with Nottinghamshire Local Authority Children’s Services, Kay held various roles—including Residential and Field Social Worker and Management Staff Development Officer—where she designed, delivered, and evaluated training programs that strengthened skills in child protection, legal frameworks, and management practices.

More recently, Kay has taken on executive leadership roles that have enabled her to influence service delivery on a larger scale. She has held positions in children’s hospices, youth support initiatives, and service management in Doncaster, Leicester, and Nottingham. In these roles, she has overseen critical areas such as Child Protection, Children in Need, and Children Looked After, effectively managing financial systems, chairing legal and strategic planning meetings, and ensuring rigorous safeguarding measures are upheld.

Kay’s expertise extends into quality assurance and regulatory oversight. As a former Ofsted Inspector, she has developed an acute understanding of compliance and safety within children’s homes. Her experience as an Interim Regulatory Officer further highlights her ability to audit case files, lead multi-agency meetings, and safeguard the welfare of vulnerable children. Additionally, her tenure as a Magistrate since 2002 underscores her commitment to fairness, objectivity, and disciplined decision-making in both social work and the judicial system.

Technologically proficient and well-versed in modern information systems, Kay integrates effective communication and precise data management into her practice, ensuring full compliance with current Data Protection regulations. Her vast knowledge, commitment to equality, and dedication to lifelong learning make her an invaluable asset to A.H. Lancer Consulting Ltd and the wider social care sector.


Consultancy Services to Care Companies

Our team of consultants consists of highly skilled, experienced professionals who are recognised experts in the fields of children’s and adult social care. With a proven track record, they provide best practice guidance and support across all the services we offer.

Responsible Individual Services

Responsible Individual Services

We specialise in providing Ofsted Regulatory Consultants/Responsible Individuals (RIs) who play a crucial role in the management and oversight of children’s homes and supported accommodation.

 

RI Services...

Safer Recruitment Services

Safer Recruitment Services

Recruiting the right staff for your children’s home or supported accommodation is critical for creating a safe, nurturing, and positive environment.

 

Safer Recruitment...

Independent Auditing Services

Independent Auditing Services

We provide organisations with independent, objective assurance to improve care practice, risk management, and governance processes.

 

Independent Auditing...

Regulation 44 Independent Person Visits

Regulation 44 Independent Person Visits

We provide high-quality Regulation 44 Independent monitoring visitors to Ofsted children’s Residential homes in the UK.

 

Regulation 44...

Strategic Auditing and Reviews

Strategic Auditing and Reviews

When your organisation is facing widespread internal challenges, A.H. Lancer Consulting Ltd offers expert support through our Strategic Auditing and Reviews service.

 

Strategic Auditing...

Independent Team Development, Supervision and Training

Independent Team Development, Supervision and Training

we offer bespoke services to support organisations experiencing challenges in Leadership and Management practices, management oversight, and decision-making.

 

Team Development...

Pre-Inspection Audit

Pre-Inspection Audit

We offer a comprehensive Pre-Inspection Audit to help managers of children’s homes and supported accommodation assess and prioritize their service development needs before registration or inspection.

 

Pre-Inspection Audit...

Fit Person’s Interview Preparation

Fit Person’s Interview Preparation

A successful Fit Person’s Interview is critical for those applying to manage or own a children’s home or supported accommodation.

 

Interview Preparation...

Trouble Shooting Failing Homes

Trouble Shooting Failing Homes

Our Trouble Shooting Failing Homes service is a high-level support package designed for children’s homes that are at risk of non-compliance or are facing significant challenges.

 

Trouble Shooting...

Face-to-Face and Virtual Training

Face-to-Face and Virtual Training

We offer comprehensive training programs designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals in the social care sector.

 

Training...

Property Suitability and Pre-Registration Consultancy Package

Property Suitability and Pre-Registration Consultancy Package

We offer a comprehensive service to ensure that your children’s residential home or supported accommodation is fully prepared for Ofsted registration and ongoing compliance.

 

Property Suitability and Pre-Registration...

Cloud Based Regulatory Framework (CBRF) – Subscription-Based Consultancy

Cloud Based Regulatory Framework (CBRF) – Subscription-Based Consultancy

Our online regulatory consultancy offers children’s homes a subscription-based service, providing essential regulatory guidance and support on demand.

 

Cloud Based Regulatory Framework...