Surrey Care Association which represents more than 230 adult social care providers in Surrey, has appointed Nicola McLeish as its chief executive, succeeding Bex Pritchard who has held the role since 2021.

McLeish has more than 20 years’ social care experience and has held various leadership positions at Kent County Council. She has worked with care homes, day services, and support programmes aiding people to maintain independence. She has led various teams supporting the adult social care sector and has direct experience of working with providers to enable the best delivery of care. She has managed and commissioned adult social care contracts over the years, and also worked closely with providers during the pandemic. She contributed to the Cost of Care government exercise last year.

McLeish said: “Through my roles in adult social care over the past 15 years, I have supported providers through the challenges of caring for vulnerable adults particularly during Covid as well as the issues we have continued to experience.

“I am passionate about the people we support and ensuring that their voice is heard, as well as valuing the social care workforce who deliver such a vital job. I believe that these aspects are essential to enable us to deliver services that are high quality and have a positive impact on people’s lives. I am excited to be starting as the CEO of Surrey Care Association, an organisation with a remarkable history of delivering excellence to its members and making a positive impact in Surrey’s social care industry. Together, we will build on this strong foundation.”

Maria Mills, deputy chair of Surrey Care Association and chief executive of learning disability provider Active Prospects, commented: “[McLeish’s] outstanding leadership and expertise will be invaluable in guiding Surrey Care Association and its members through its next phase of change and development in the adult social care sector. We are committed to building a sustainable future for both the wider sector, also and for all of the individuals working in adult social care across Surrey.”