HC-One Chair to step back to Senior Adviser role25 November 2021

After serving three years on the Board of HC-One, Sir David Behan CBE has announced today (25 November 2021) that he will be stepping back from his role as Chair by the end of the year. Thereafter, he will continue to support HC-One as a Senior Adviser to the Board and Executive Team, and also enjoy more family time.

As Chair, Sir David:

• Directly led HC-One’s initial response to the pandemic.
• Oversaw the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, James Tugendhat, and the development of his Executive Team.
• Worked with the Board to support the refinancing of HC-One through the injection of more equity from its shareholders, with Safanad taking majority control, and the consolidation and reduction of HC-One’s debt.   

The refinancing marked another step in setting HC-One on course to deliver its strategy of better meeting the evolving care needs of the country, in particular the growing number of people living with dementia. As part of this strategy, HC-One has already announced increased pay to frontline carers and its significant investment in refurbishing over 200 local authority and NHS funded care homes.

Safanad, the HC-One Board and Management look forward to continuing to work closely with Sir David.

Commenting on the announcement, Sir David said:

“It has been an honour to serve as Chair and sit on the HC-One Board over the last three years. Throughout this time, I have always been inspired by the bravery, commitment, and dedication of our teams. 

“I look forward to continuing to advise the Board and Management in supporting HC-One to achieve its mission to deliver high-quality care through kindness.”


James Tugendhat, CEO of HC-One said:

“On behalf of everyone at HC-One, I sincerely thank Sir David for his exceptional service as Chair. His leadership and expertise have been invaluable in support of both our Residents and Colleagues. His steady hand and compassionate leadership at the height of the pandemic were critical, as well as his unwavering drive to deliver the highest quality care.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Sir David as our Senior Adviser and to building on our vision to be the kindest care home provider.”
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