Our story

White Care Group was established in 1984 when Les White and his son David established their first care home, St Benedicts, in Glastonbury.

Five years later David bought a second property, St Cecilia Care Home in Shepton Mallet and in 2003 the third generation of Whites became involved when Les’s grandson Philip started working for them.

It was Philip White who oversaw the purchase of our third home, The Rectory in Taunton, in 2017. That same year, Les White passed away after spending time as a resident at St Benedicts.  White Care Group remains family-run to this day. Philip is Operations Manager and brother-in-law William Merivale is Deputy Operations Manager, while David continues to take an active role.

Read more about the fascinating history of White Care Group.

Leadership Team

Find out more about the people who make up our leadership team

Philip White, Operations Manager

Philip is third generation of the White family to run the family’s care homes. He joined the family business in 2003, after taking his A-Levels, working his way up from washing dishes to his current position as operations manager.

"At the heart of the care we provide is our commitment to providing a relaxed and nurturing home-from-home environment for our residents, and ensuring they retain a genuine connection with their friends and families and local communities. This is what makes our homes special and our work so rewarding.”

In his spare time Philip plays golf for Somerset and the South West of England and enjoys spending time with his wife and young family.

Bonnie Frear, Quality Assurance Manager

Bonnie is responsible for overseeing all three of our homes, supporting the managers and helping ensure overall quality, systems compliance, new care planning and supporting governance principles.

She joined us in 2023 after a decade with a specialist dementia care home in Wellington, first as clinical lead for dementia care then as deputy manager.

“Working in care is one of the most rewarding things you can do: knowing it’s in your hands to deliver the best quality of life for your residents, and enjoying the variety of a working environment where no two days are ever the same.”

A mother of two, Bonnie enjoys spending time with her children, her extended family and her dogs.

William Merivale, Deputy Operations Manager

William has been with us since 2016. He previously worked in further education as a lecturer and sport coordinator.

“What I love about coming into work is the sense of teamwork among our amazing staff. We work so closely together, and they make me feel proud. They all represent the homes so professionally. They’re doing a job they love and it shows! Another highlight is celebrating milestones with residents, their families and friends and the best part, by far, is sharing wonderful words of praise and gratitude about our staff.”

Outside work William enjoys all sport – both watching and playing. He also loves watching his children play sport and "encouraging" them to watch it with him.