Sue Cawthray to succeed Neel Radia as NACC national chair

Sue Cawthray has been appointed national chair of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) for a second time.

Cawthray, who is chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association and previously served as chair 2007-09, will officially take the reins tomorrow from Neel Radia, the NACC's longest-serving chair, who steps down after a six-year tenure.

The appointment was confirmed at the association's AGM yesterday as members gathered at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham for the NACC Training and Development Forum 2019.

Cawthray has been a member for more than 18 years and served as regional chair and regional secretary for the north. In 2012 she led the NACC to gain the Guinness World Record for the most identical community meals delivered in three hours.

Under her leadership, Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association launched Harrogate Food Angels, which made an immediate positive impact on the meals on wheels service in the area. She also advises other associations on the importance of extra care, community care, day services, luncheon clubs and meals on wheels, through her work with the Housing Learning and Improvement Network for Yorkshire and Humberside, the Independent Care Group and the NACC.

She said: "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be national chair of the NACC again, particularly at a time when care has so many challenges. More than ever, we must be innovative and creative in delivering nutrition and hydration into care homes, meals on wheels services and other related services for those who are vulnerable and socially isolated. Neel Radia has done a fantastic job, achieving many things over the past six years, and I look forward to continuing his good work."

Radia added: "After what's been an incredible six years as national chair of the NACC, I pass the baton onto Sue with pride and confidence. Sue's care catering expertise is second to none and I know that she'll continue to drive the association forward as the voice of the sector and in its objective to raise awareness of and standards in care catering… I'll be supporting Sue and the association on the national executive, leading the development of the NACC Training Academy."