Jane Townson, chief executive of the Homecare Association, has been appointed chair of the Care Provider Alliance.

The role of CPA chair rotates annually across each of its 10 associations with Townson replacing Nadra Ahmed, chief executive of the National Care Association, who led the organisation for the past 12 months.

Townson said: “I am delighted to serve as this year’s chair of the CPA, which has evolved over the years into a cohesive group with increasing influence. The care system is a complex network of thousands of private, voluntary and community sector organisations, supporting people in all settings. Members meet weekly and work closely together to share experiences and coordinate care providers’ responses – both strategic and operational – to the challenges we all face.

“Speaking with one voice is crucial as we seek to influence important agendas, including integrated care, sustainable funding and growth and development of our workforce. I look forward to continuing our work with fellow CPA members, policymakers, commissioners and those who draw on services over the coming year. We are all grateful to outgoing chair, Nadra Ahmed, for her superb leadership of CPA over the last year, and to the small admin team who support us on a part-time basis.”

Ahmed commented: “It has been a privilege to work with such an amazing group of dedicated people and lead the CPA over the past 12 months. We’ve seen some genuinely important developments – such as the development of the Integrated Care Systems Learning Network for health and social care partners and welcoming the Care Association Alliance as our newest member.

“I know that Jane has the energy, tenacity, and knowledge to take the Alliance forward as we tackle ongoing challenges – including the build up to a likely election in 2024 when social care will be a high on the political agenda. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her.”

Townson has extensive experience in the social care, health, housing and technology sectors -including over four years as chief executive of the Homecare Association. Before this, she worked for almost eight years as a board member and chief executive of a £75 million turnover not-for-profit care provider, delivering home care, housing with care, supported living for people with disabilities and operating 30 care homes.