The Care and Support Alliance elects Papworth Trust chief as new leader

The Care and Support Alliance, which represents 80 charities and campaigns for a properly funded care system, has elected Vicky McDermott, the chief executive of Papworth Trust, as the new chair.

She replaces Richard Hawkes of Scope who stepped down in May. Sue Brown, head of Public Policy at Sense will remain the vice-chair.

Vicky McDermott held the position of head of Operations and Strategic Resourcing for the NHS Business Services Authority until she joined disability charity Papworth Trust in 2014.

Ms McDermott, who became disabled following a car accident when she was 17, has previously held a number of senior roles across the private and public sectors. She is also a non-executive director and vice chair of Scope, one of the largest disability charities in the UK.

Vicky McDermott said: “I am delighted to have been elected to lead the 80 organisations of the Care and Support Alliance. By working together we have a much stronger voice in influencing much needed changes in social care. It is such an important time to be taking on this role, as the Alliance shapes its plans for working with the new Government and builds upon strong relationships with decision makers.”

Sue Brown, vice-chair of the Care and Support Alliance added: “I am delighted that Vicky has been elected as Chair of the Care and Support Alliance. In the last two years, with Richard Hawkes as Chair the alliance has gone from strength to strength, and I would like to thank Richard for the work he has put in to make this happen. I look forward to working with Vicky and I am sure that with her as Chair this success will continue.”

The Care & Support Alliance was set up in July 2009.