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New NCMA chair is keeping an eye on cuts

The National Childminding Association has announced that Sue Davis is to be its new chair.

The NCMA's Annual General Meeting in September will see Ms Davis replace Susanna Dawson when she steps down after six years as chair.

Ms Davis (pictured) is chair of Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital Trust to take up the position. She has also worked as a trustee and chair of a number of national and regional boards, led a local authority and set up a Primary Care Trust.

Ms Davis said, 'I'm very excited about taking on the role. I intend to continue with the association's good work, providing quality services and making sure no childminders are left without support.

'A key issue will be working out how the cuts will affect the association. I will be drawing on my 30 years of experience working in organisations and seeing them through periods of significant change to ensure that NCMA adapts to the future.'

'I've always been interested in early years provision and used childminders for ten years to care for my own children. They are vitally important, and without them my career wouldn't have been possible.'

Susanna Dawson said, 'Sue brings with her a wide range of experience of governance and representation in a variety of different roles, as well as a strong commitment to the role that childcare and early learning plays in improving the life chances of children. The Board selected Sue because it believes she has the skills and experience needed to oversee the delivery of NCMA's new strategy during these difficult economic times.

'I wish Sue every success in the role and am looking forward to supporting her in the coming weeks.'

Ms Davis will work alongside Ms Dawson over the next few weeks, meeting staff and volunteers involved in aspects of NCMA's work in order to increase her understanding of the association, home-based childcare and members' issues and concerns.