Royal Star & Garter chief executive Andy Cole OBE has taken over as chairman of National Care Forum (NCF), the not-for-profit care provider representative body.
Effectively immediately, Cole replaces Maria Ball, chief executive of Quantum Care, who held the post of chairwoman since 2017.
Ball will remain on the board of directors to provide support to the NCF team and its members.
Cole, an NCF board member since 2017, led the development of Royal Star & Garter’s home in High Wycombe, which opened in 2019 and is championing the launch of new services for veterans.
Cole was previously chief executive of the national premature baby charity, Bliss, receiving an OBE in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours; and was a director at Leonard Cheshire. He also sits on the council of Buckinghamshire New University.
NCF chief executive Vic Rayner said: “We are delighted to announce Andy Cole as chair of NCF as Maria Ball steps down. Maria has been a dedicated chair and during the last year has steered the NCF team and members through the pandemic.
“As we approach our 30th anniversary Andy will bring his invaluable experience and expertise to the role of NCF chair.”
Cole said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chair, and look forward to assisting Vic Rayner and the whole NCF team. The last year has been hugely challenging for everyone in social care, and NCF has played a vital role in not only helping our own members but also the wider sector onto a path for recovery.
“It will be a privilege to champion our members as we fight for meaningful reform in the years ahead.”
