Changes are afoot at LARAC as we welcome Tom McBeth to the newly created role of Policy Officer at LARAC.
Tom joins us from RECOUP, where he spent almost five years as their Policy & Infrastructure Manager. His role there involved conducting research, data analysis and report writing around the use of, disposal and recycling of plastics. He also managed and delivered projects and worked with organisations to help identify and implement collection and recycling solutions on an international scale. Tom is well known in industry circles for delivering presentations on his work and was also nominated by his peers for the 35 under 35 Award in 2022.
Toni McNamara, LARAC’s Policy and Communications Lead said,
“Tom is looking forward to advocating for all LARAC members on policy issues as we navigate the stormy waters of waste policy. As we continue to have uncertain but exciting times for everyone in the sector, I am sure Tom will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to this new and exciting role; he will be a great asset to LARAC, and we are delighted to welcome him to the team.”
Tom will be engaging and networking with various internal and external stakeholders, making sure we meet the LARAC vision of being the leading voice for local authorities on recycling, waste and resource management.
Tom said,
“I cannot wait to get stuck into my role here at LARAC. I am ready for this new challenge and looking forward to representing our members’ views on all things recycling, resources and waste, especially the policies arising from the Collection and Packaging Reforms.”
Tom’s arrival at LARAC starts the process of a number of changes coming over the next few months.
Carole Taylor, LARAC’s Executive Director has decided to take early retirement from the end of October 2024, having been involved with LARAC in various roles since 2002. The role of Executive Director will be filled by Toni McNamara, currently LARAC’s Policy and Communications Lead. Lucy Bennett will also take on additional responsibilities in the new role of Business Support Lead. LARAC will be continued to be supported by Mariana McManus as Support Officer.
The new organisational structure to be implemented later this year will be as follows:
Carole said,
“Since 1985, LARAC has grown so much and from its humble beginnings with just a handful of members back then, it now stands as the voice of 80% of all UK councils with nearly 1200 individual officer members. I am immensely proud of what LARAC has done and continues to achieve for members, having been in local government for 19 years as one of those officers grappling with challenges,
seeking the help, support, and vital information that LARAC provides. LARAC has got a great team to continue the excellent work we provide to our members. And now, as I prepare to pass the baton, I do so with confidence. LARAC is in capable hands, and I feel now is the right time for me to hand over the reins knowing it will continue to thrive under their leadership.”
The new restructure will be implemented later in the year to enable a straightforward and seamless transition. We appreciate our members’ continued support through this period of change.
For media inquiries, please contact Toni McNamara, LARAC Policy and Communications Lead - admin@larac.org.uk
Twitter/X: @LARACSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/larac/
