Six new non-executive directors have been elected by members to the Board of the Homecare Association, representing a diverse range of providers and geographies across the homecare sector.
The organisation also warmly thanks the departing board members who are leaving at the end of their term of office.
Election of new board members
At its Annual General Meeting on 12 October 2022 in Birmingham, the Homecare Association announced election of the following members to its Board of Directors:
England – Band 1 (representing members with 1-3 branches)
Paula Beaney, Promedica24
Mitch Miller, Ashridge Home Care
England – Band 2 (representing members with 4-20 branches)
Sharon Lowrie, Be Caring
Andrew Needham, Trinity Homecare
England – Band 3 (representing members with 21+ branches, mainly state-funded)
Mario Abajo Menguez, Clece Care
England – Band 3 (representing members with 21+ branches, mainly private-pay funded)
Martin Jones, Home Instead UK
Northern Ireland
No nominations.
Many congratulations to all those elected after strong competition from an extremely capable and experienced group of nominees.
Standing down from the board, with the Association’s deep gratitude for their work and support for the Homecare Association over recent years are:
England – Band 1 (representing members with 1-3 branches)
Roger Booker, Care Sante
Dominique Kent, The Good Care Group at Riverstone
England – Band 2 (representing members with 4-20 branches)
Sarah Leskinen-Keel, Agincare
Mario Abajo Menguez, Clece Care (now in Band 3)
England – Band 3 (representing members with 21+ branches, mainly state-funded)
Caleb Atkins, City and County Healthcare
Northern Ireland
Lesley Megarity, Optimum Care
Warm thanks are extended to all outgoing Board members, who have provided expert support and challenge to the Board’s work. Particular gratitude is due to the outgoing Chair, Dominique Kent; Vice Chair, Sarah Leskinen-Keel; Treasurer, Mario Abajo Menguez; and Honorary Secretary, Lesley Megarity. All have made valued contributions, some over many years, and committed substantial energy and expertise to furthering the mission of the Homecare Association.
Election of officers
At a meeting of the Board of Directors on 13 October 2022, nominations were made for vacant officer positions and the following were elected:
Chair – Martin Jones, CEO at Home Instead UK
Vice Chairs - Mario Abajo Menguez, CEO at Clece Care and Lucy Campbell, CEO at Right at Home
Treasurer – John Rennison, CEO at 1st Homecare
Honorary Secretary – Polly Munyeza, Owner and Registered Manager at Support Unlimited UK
The Homecare Association’s new Chair, Martin Jones, said:
“It is a real honour and responsibility to be elected as Chair of the Board of the Homecare Association. Never has there been a more important time to stand up to make what matters stand out.
“Homecare is a vital public service. Investing in homecare and community support will allow us to grow and develop the workforce and innovate, so we can enable people to live well at home, extend healthy life expectancy, reduce inequalities, take pressure off the NHS and reduce costs for the health and care system.
“With about 2300 members nationally, the Homecare Association takes a lead in shaping homecare, in collaboration with partners across the care sector, and provides hands-on support and practical tools for its members.
“Our government is focusing on economic growth. Wealth is dependent on health and it is important to enable people to remain well and economically active if they wish. Keeping people out of hospital, ensuring they can access diagnosis and treatment in the NHS in a timely manner if needed, and supporting them to return home from hospital if admitted, are dependent on availability of good quality home-based support and care.
“We must continue to make the case for investing in homecare to enable us all to live well at home and flourish in our communities.”
You can find the full list of board members on our website.