Martin Rix joins National Care Forum Board

Martin Rix joins National Care Forum Board

This year, Belong chief executive officer Martin Rix will be working more closely with the National Care Forum (NCF) after securing the support of members and being elected to join the Board at the leading association for not-for-profit social care operators.

Having been voted to the voluntary position at the NCF’s AGM, he will collaborate with other Board members, together sharing a range of perspectives from across the social care sector. Martin brings extensive experience of older people’s care services, including care villages and home care, with particular reference to the needs of people with dementia.

Belong was one of the early pioneers of the ‘household’ model for people living with dementia and the drive for innovation and excellence has earned industry recognition and accolades as well as, most importantly, positive outcomes for its customers.

Last summer, along with international partners, Martin helped form a global aged care alliance to promote the benefits of small household models, which sees Belong join forces with Australia’s HammondCare and US based The Green House Project to advocate for the wider adoption of this model.Speaking of his appointment to the NCF Board, he said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to work with the National Care Forum at this level, particularly with the general election and local elections on the horizon, now really is a crucial time to ensure our sector’s voice is heard. I believe NCF do a brilliant job supporting social care and I’m looking forward to putting forward my ideas and supporting their mandate to represent members and champion social care at this important time.”

Professor Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Martin alongside the other elected and re-elected board members. Our new board members will increase the breadth of knowledge and experience of our board and ensure the further representation of the diverse range of services provided around the country by NCF members.”

Also joining the board is Brian James, CEO of Cedarmore Housing Association; Maria Mills, CEO of Active Prospects; and Alison Waller, Managing Director of Corserv Care.

Along with Martin Rix, they join re-elected Andy Cole, (Chair) CEO of Royal Star & Garter, and Oona Goldsworthy, CEO of Brunelcare. Completing the board are existing members Sarah Clarke-Kuehn of Sanctuary Care; Maxine Espley of Green Square Accord; Dan Hayes of The Orders of St John Care Trust; Rachel Jones of Jewish Care; Rob Martin of Anchor Hanover; and Marianne Wanstall of Brendoncare.

NCF has also published its 2022-23 Impact Report, outlining the various activities and influence NCF has brought on behalf of its members over the last year. The impact report highlights the significant efforts of the NCF team, Board and members during 2022 and 2023.

More information about the NCF Board of Directors can be found here: https://www.nationalcareforum.org.uk/ncf-board-members/