About Us

Find out more about Leeds Care Association, our mission and objectives, and our board members

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Who are Leeds Care Association?

Leeds Care Association is a Not For Profit organisation which has been operating as a Limited Company since 2002.

Working closely with Leeds City Council, NHS Leeds, and key stakeholders, we influence policy, advocate for issues such as better funding, workforce recruitment and retention, peer support, practical guidance on compliance, data protection, and cyber security, and promote partnership working.

Want to know more? Get in touch below

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Peter Hodkinson

Chairman

As Managing Director and co-founder of Westward Care Ltd since 1995, he leads the strategic development of four multi-service care communities.

With a background in construction management and Building Control, he has pioneered innovative care and independent living models.

His commitment to quality, ethical leadership, and strong partnerships underpins his role as Chairman of Leeds Care Association, alongside his ongoing contributions as a Skills for Care Fellow and trustee/director of Holbeck Elderly Aid.

Graeme Lee

Board Director

Graeme has been a Director of Leeds Care Association since its formation in 2002/03 and previously served as Chairman.

As Group CEO of Springfield Healthcare Group since 1994, he is one of Leeds longest established care providers delivering residential, domiciliary and supported living services across Yorkshire and the North East.

With over 30 years business and care sector experience, he brings strong executive leadership and extensive sector expertise to LCA.

Harvey Zemmel

Board Director

Harvey is an experienced healthcare professional with over 30 years’ expertise in elderly care provision and financing.

A strategic thinker, he founded and grew a group of 10 care homes before selling the business in 2007 and is now Managing Director of Garforth Care Homes.

He also volunteers with Jewish Care, where he chairs the Quality Assurance and Customer Experience Committee which oversees all Jewish Care’s services.

Farina Tayub

Board Director

Farina is Managing Director of Caremark (Leeds), bringing a background in accountancy, business ownership, and degrees in English and Psychology.

Since entering the homecare sector in 2008, she has been committed to partnership working and delivering high-quality care, combining strong leadership and business expertise with a focus on continuous improvement.

Supporting, Strengthening & Championing Adult Social Care Across Leeds

Leeds Care Association supports and strengthens the local adult social care sector by providing guidance, resources, and access to training that helps improve quality and standards of care.

Our Chief Officer, Michelle Atkinson (with support from the LCA Board) champions high standards of care and represents the interests of independent care providers across Leeds. working closely with Leeds City Council, the NHS, and partners to advocate for the sector, celebrate excellence, and raise the profile of care professionals. This close collaboration supports shared learning, best practice co-production, innovation and ensures that provider insight informs strategy, commissioning and service development.

We promote a strong, sustainable workforce by signposting development opportunities that support recruitment, retention, wellbeing, and career progression, as well as working closely with partners to develop new initiatives around workforce issues. We endorse high standards and continuous improvement and support our members to meet regulatory requirements, including CQC standards, through peer support and quality initiatives.

We also offer practical day-to-day support, including guidance on funding, compliance, and digital transformation, alongside free tools and resources to support data security and cyber resilience.

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Become a member and get involved today

Help us protect the interests of the Independent Care Sector providers in Leeds, and get access to our exclusive members’ offers.

Become a member