His appointment was declared to the association’s members, and his two-year tenure began at the recent NACC National Training & Development Forum in Blackpool (September 11-13).
Radia, an active member for more than seven years, was voted in pledging to repeat and build at a national level the success he has achieved as chair of the association’s South East Region over the past six years.
Innovative changes he has introduced include accredited training qualifications, study days, communication and networking events. He has also helped drive a big rise in membership and encouraged large-scale interest and attendance at South East regional seminars.
While he has been the chairman the South East Region has won the NACC’s annual Region of the Year Award on four occasions.
Radia said he was dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of good nutrition and hydration in care settings. It is a topic he has addressed at national and international conferences. He is already involved in a range of NACC national activity, including National Community Meals Week, which this year is being launched on November 12.
He said: “I am honoured and thrilled to accept the role and responsibility of national chair of the NACC. I believe in the strength of the association and I am committed to making it even stronger for the benefit of our members and the care sector as a whole.
“We are already seeing front line services gradually disappear so as an association we are more crucial than ever and I am ready to lead the NACC through these challenging times.
“I have worked incredibly hard as chair of the South East region with fantastic results and I am keen to share these practices and innovations at regional and national levels.
“With fresh thinking and a strategic approach we will grow membership and the voice of the NACC will become even louder as we promote the absolute importance of good nutrition and hydration in the care sector today and in the future.
“The NACC and its members have prospered under the great leadership of my predecessors. I am ready to continue their good work. With renewed energy and creative thinking I will deliver on my promise to take our great association to the next level for the ultimate benefit of all our members – and of course those entrusted to our care.”
Radia, who works for Raj Foods, the manufacturer of Halal and ethnic meals for the care and health sector, performed his first official duty when he presented the awards at the NACC Awards 2013.