Karen Pryor named as Chair of The Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals

Karen Pryor, Senior Facilities Manager at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, has been named the new national Chair of The Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (AHCP).

Karen – who has worked for Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust since October 2024 – will actively engage with members, stakeholders and industry partners to ensure that AHCP continues to be respected, progressive, and inclusive.

Karen has worked in the NHS for almost 40 years, including 20 years' experience at senior levels in the healthcare facilities management sector, and is also an Executive Director of AHCP.

The Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals is the principal organisation which defines the standards and represents the interests of the healthcare cleaning sector throughout the UK.

Having grown out of the primarily hospital-based Association of Domestic Managers, the AHCP now encompasses all areas of healthcare cleaning including NHS and private hospitals, Primary Care Trusts, care and nursing homes, dental and GP clinics and surgeries as well as the mental health field.

Her first formal engagement as Chair will be the celebration event for the organisations 50th Anniversary in August.

"It is an honour to be asked to take up this role,” said Karen .

“My priority is to strengthen the national voice of AHCP, increase visibility and membership, and support our members in meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow.

“This ranges from workforce development to sustainability, and innovation in cleaning technologies. I am excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of the AHCP and support our members across the UK in delivering excellence in healthcare cleaning.”

Mark Braden, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said: “Karen’s appointment as National Chair of the Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals is a testament to her unwavering dedication, deep expertise, and visionary leadership in healthcare facilities management.

“Her commitment to excellence and innovation has consistently elevated standards across our organisation, and I have no doubt she will bring the same passion and drive to this national role.

“We are incredibly proud of Karen and excited to see the positive impact she will make for AHCP and the wider healthcare community.”