Hampshire Care Association (HCA), a regional membership body for adult social care, is delighted to announce that Emma Heath has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer effective Wednesday 11 September 2024.
In her early career, Emma worked frontline supporting adults with learning disabilities. Since then, her extensive experience includes leadership roles dedicated to communications, marketing, and advocacy for health, education, and social care providers.
Clare Norris, Chair of the HCA Board, said ” I’m very pleased that Hampshire Care Association can appoint a CEO, and delighted to be welcoming Emma as she joins us.
The scale of the challenges that care providers face means that Care Associations are needed more than ever, and this is an important step for us in our growth as an organisation.
Emma’s previous roles working hands-on in care settings gives her valuable insight into what our members do for their clients every day. When we met her, my colleagues and I were impressed by her empathy, resourcefulness and flexibility – qualities we all value in our own services.
Hampshire Care Association’s members are proud of their dedicated and highly skilled workforce who work tirelessly to provide compassionate and fantastic care every day. Emma’s experience will help us to continue to advocate for our members, and our sector, and we look forward to achieving great things together”
As CEO, Emma’s priorities will include enhancing member engagement, promoting best practices, and influencing policy decisions to ensure the region’s sustainability and growth of high-quality care services.
Emma said, “I am honoured to join Hampshire Care Association and lead a dedicated and passionate team. As a new political era begins, the Government has its work cut out to address the core issues in adult social care and reform this crucial public service.”
Emma went on to say, “With the demand and challenges in the sector set to grow significantly over the next decade, the great work of HCA and other Care Associations across the country has never been more needed. I am looking forward to collaborating with our Members, Local Authority Partners and sector trade bodies to continue HCA’s good work to address current challenges and seize opportunities for positive change in adult social care.”
“Ensuring that HCA’s action supports the delivery of the highest quality of care for those who receive it and drives proper recognition for those who provide it will be a key priority
Emma’s appointment comes as the Government has announced they are scrapping the eagerly awaited Care Cap and Training Fund.
This new CEO position will strengthen HCA’s advocacy role, giving a voice to Hampshire-based providers who need support responding to the ongoing challenges of an ageing population and the evolving demands on care services.
For more information about Hampshire Care Association and its initiatives, please visit www.hampshirecare.org
Image depicts Emma Heath