The South East Social Care Alliance (SESCA) is delighted to share that our Chair, Erica Lockhart, recently attended her official Investiture Ceremony at Windsor Castle, where she was formally presented with her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
Erica was recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List 2025 for her outstanding services to social care. This honour celebrates a distinguished career spanning more than five decades — from her early work as a qualified Social Worker, through her leadership as CEO of Surrey Care Association (SCA), to her current role as Chair of SESCA.
Throughout her career, Erica has been a driving force for positive change in adult social care. She co-founded the Care Association Alliance (CAA) in 2010, providing a unified national voice for Care Associations, and established SESCA in 2020 to represent and support care providers across the South East.
Her leadership during the pandemic was particularly instrumental in helping providers navigate unprecedented challenges, from PPE coordination to infection control training and workforce resilience.
On receiving her MBE, Erica said:
“It was a truly memorable day and an enormous honour. I’m grateful to have worked alongside so many inspiring individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for others. This award is as much a recognition of their commitment as it is of mine.”
SESCA and its member associations extend their warmest congratulations to Erica on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for her continued dedication to championing excellence and collaboration within the care sector.