Leading not-for-profit care operator, Belong, has appointed a new chief operating officer (COO). 

Rebecca Woodcock will head up the dementia specialist's villages and home care services, including Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, located on Lower Street. 

Rebecca joins Belong's executive board having been promoted from group operations manager. 

Highly experienced, she has worked for the organisation for over 20 years. 

She previously held general manager and registered manager positions at the group's Atherton and Wigan villages, respectively, where she was instrumental in growing both to join the 2% of adult social care settings in England holding CQC Outstanding ratings. 

Rebecca said: "I am thrilled to be joining the leadership team of our wonderful organisation. 

"I pride myself on being a true 'Belong Champion' and working hard to promote our ethos of pushing the boundaries of dementia care for the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme." 

During her tenure, Belong has attained numerous top accolades, including LaingBuisson's Excellence in Retirement Housing, and the HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Operator of the Year, and Best Health and Wellness Service for its holistic approach to dementia care. 

It also holds the Gold Investors in People accreditation, signifying commitment to its colleagues and cementing it as one of the country's top employers. 

Martin Rix, chief executive at Belong, commented: "We are pleased to welcome Rebecca to the Belong Board. 

"With a long and distinguished career history with us, she has consistently demonstrated her passion for our unique village model and the people that we support. 

"She is also an exceptional and compassionate leader, and we are confident that she will add significant value in her new role."  

The news comes ahead of the opening of Belong Birkdale, next year. 

The ninth village in the group portfolio, its first in Merseyside, will add to its established sites across the North West and West Midlands, expanding its sector-leading support for older people living with dementia. 

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