The restructure follows the announcement earlier this year that LARAC’s executive director, Carole Taylor, will be retiring at the end of October.
Toni McNamara, currently LARAC’s policy and communications lead, will become LARAC’s new executive director, and Lucy Bennett will also take on additional responsibilities in the new role of business support lead. Mariana McManus will continue to support the team as support officer, and Tom McBeth, who joined in June 2024, is policy officer.
Outgoing executive director, Carole Taylor, commented: “Since its humble beginning in 1985, LARAC has grown so much.
“From just a handful of members back then, it now stands as the voice of 80% of UK councils with nearly 1,200 individual officer members across the four nations. 
“I am immensely proud of what LARAC has achieved for members and having previously been in local government for 19 years as one of those officers, grappling with the challenges that authorities continue to face, the help, support, and vital information that LARAC provides has proven, and will continue to prove invaluable.
“LARAC has got a great team to continue the excellent work we provide to our members, and I leave LARAC in capable hands, knowing it will continue to thrive under its new leadership.”
Taylor has been a part of LARAC since July 2002 and has held numerous roles in the organisation in the 22 years since, including regional rep for the North West, treasurer, vice chair and LARAC chair. She became internal affairs manager in May 2022 and then executive director in January 2023.
McNamara, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for me, and for LARAC. Carole’s tireless dedication to local authorities over the last few years has been invaluable, not only to LARAC, but to our members who have benefited from the help and support from LARAC over the last two decades. 
“I’m honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for LARAC. Building on Carole’s incredible legacy, our team is committed to driving forward the vision of supporting our members.
“Having worked in a local authority up until joining LARAC, I fully understand the scale of the challenge that local authorities have been facing as new legislation has been introduced.
“Together, LARAC will continue to be a strong voice for local authorities, pushing for effective policies across the sector for all four nations. The future holds exciting possibilities, and I am thrilled to lead LARAC into this new chapter.”
LARAC has said that it would like to thank its members for their support during the restructure and that it looks forward to continuing to support local authorities as the reform of waste and recycling services continues to take effect over the coming years.
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