Hilary Woodhead

Chief Executive Officer

NAPA

I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Mike Phillips for over 20 years, and during that time I have seen him consistently demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and humanity. Mike is an accomplished trainer, facilitator, consultant, and coach, he is also a highly respected dementia specialist trainer, whose depth of knowledge and compassion have had a profound impact on the sector.

As a trusted NAPA Learning Partner for more than six years, Mike has played a significant role in shaping meaningful engagement and improving the quality of life for people with a range of care and support needs. His contributions to dementia care, activity provision, and values-based practice have been invaluable.

Mike’s learning sessions are inspiring, emotionally intelligent, and transformative experiences that empower staff to provide truly person-centred care. His ability to blend evidence-based dementia expertise with creativity, warmth, and humour makes him one of the most effective learning professionals I have ever worked with. His blended approach training, facilitation, consultancy and coaching,  is rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of how adults learn. Whether supporting activity teams, front-line care staff, managers, or experts-by-experience, Mike creates spaces where people feel safe, respected, included, and motivated to grow. As a dementia specialist trainer, Mike has a remarkable ability to translate complex theories into practical, compassionate strategies that staff can use immediately. He helps people understand not just “what to do,” but why it matters. This is one of the many reasons his work leaves such a lasting impact. Mike’s INSPIRE values perfectly capture the way he works. He does not simply talk about these values; he embodies them. For the entire 20 years I have known him, he has remained unwaveringly consistent in his commitment to person-centred, respectful, values-led practice.

Beyond his knowledge and skill, Mike is an absolute joy to collaborate with. His kindness, humour, and generosity create uplifting learning environments where everyone feels seen and valued. He brings out the best in people and supports them to find confidence, clarity, and purpose in their work. Mike is much more than a trainer, he is a mentor, a guide, a thought-leader, and a trusted partner in improving the lives of people living with dementia. The sector is genuinely better because of his contributions. I am immensely proud to have known him for two decades, proud to have worked alongside him, and proud to recommend him without hesitation. Anyone who works with Mike will experience authenticity, expertise, and inspiration in abundance.