United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKCHA) announces new chief executive

The United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA), which represents home care providers has announced Roger Berry is to be their new chief executive.

He will take over from Bridget Warr, who was praised by the UKHCA for being an "amazing ambassador" for the organisation.

Roger Berry was the chair of the Health Select Committee for Wiltshire Council from 2014 and has a strong appreciation of social care from a statutory sector perspective.

He was also managing director of a number of organisations, including from 2006 to 2016, Healthmatic Ltd, which installs and maintains public conveniences for a largely local authority customer base.

Mr Berry said: "I am excited to be joining UKHCA as chief executive at a critical time for our sector. My experience over the last ten years has highlighted the importance of effective working between councils and providers, and the benefits of a care sector which can properly support people funded by the State or paying for care privately.

"The momentum created by the team at UKHCA will continue to develop so that we represent providers' views with central and local government to ensure that those who rely on care and support can live well at home, and that our fabulous workforce are properly recognised.

"I admire what great care businesses and fantastic staff do for older and disabled people in our communities. UKHCA will do everything we can to support you."

Bridget Warr will stay on for a one-month handover period.

UKHCA's chair, Trevor Brocklebank said: "Roger proved to be an extremely strong candidate amongst applicants of a high calibre.

“His key skills include business strategy, management and strategic planning. He is passionate about our sector and I know he is determined to make a massive contribution for our members and the people we all support.

"He will join UKHCA at an exciting time. Government policy increasingly recognises home-based care as the preferred option and the sector is supporting more people who fund their own care.”

Mr Brocklebank also praised Bridget Warr saying: "Bridget has been an amazing ambassador of the UKHCA for the last eight years and I would like to thank her for her contribution, both to the Association's members and the wider health and care sector. Together with the passionate team she has built, she has been instrumental in ensuring UKHCA's standing as a widely recognised, knowledgeable, fact-based, representative association."