Not-for-profit care provider Harrogate Neighbours has announced the appointment of Helena Evans as its new Chief Executive Officer. She succeeds long-serving CEO Sue Cawthray, who will step down at the end of June following more than two decades of transformational leadership.
Evans brings over 20 years of experience across the housing, supported housing, and care sectors, including nearly a decade as CEO for community-based housing and support organisations. Throughout her career, she has built a strong reputation for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and championing inclusive, person-centred services. Her background also includes serving as a voluntary board member for a supported housing association and acting as an independent housing advisor to a council-owned housing association supporting over 10,000 tenants.
Her appointment marks a new era for the respected Harrogate charity, which provides vital housing and care services for older and vulnerable people across the district.
Helena Evans, incoming CEO, said:
I am incredibly proud to be joining Harrogate Neighbours at such an important time in its journey.
The organisation has an outstanding reputation for delivering compassionate, high-quality care.
My ambition is to ensure we continue to be an innovative, forward-thinking, and resilient organisation—one that is recognised as an employer of choice and a valued partner within the local community.
Honouring a 21-Year Legacy
The transition follows the retirement of Sue Cawthray, who joined Harrogate Neighbours as CEO in December 2005. Over her 21-year tenure, Cawthray oversaw a period of significant expansion and innovation, establishing the organisation as one of the region’s most respected care providers.
Among her major achievements was leading the development of The Cuttings, Harrogate Neighbours’ extra care housing scheme, which required years of planning and securing £7.5 million in funding. Cawthray also successfully guided the organisation through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential care and meals to the community.
Her contributions earned the organisation the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for its Meals on Wheels initiative, and saw her represent the care sector at national events, including an afternoon tea reception with Queen Camilla.
Outgoing CEO Sue Cawthray commented:
I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved at Harrogate Neighbours and privileged to have worked alongside such a dedicated team.
Together, we have built an organisation that is financially strong and deeply committed to our communities. It has been an honour to lead, and I know Helena will continue to drive us forward with passion and fresh ambition.
Cawthray’s final day as Chief Executive will be 30 June, though she will continue to support the organisation during the initial transition period.
