Her new role will ensure that Kate continues to work closely with the military. She joins The Royal Star & Garter Homes from the Ministry of Defence, where she has worked for four years – most recently as HR Deputy Director and HR Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that Kate worked for the Cabinet Office as Programme Director, where she was responsible for all work on collective leadership.

Away from work, Kate has been involved in the RAF Air Cadets for 20 years. She was a Commissioned Officer for 18 years and is Chair of Trustees of her local squadron. Her parents are still active in the Air Cadets, and her husband runs the 615 Volunteer Gliding Squadron at Kenley Aerodrome.

She said: “I’m very excited about working for The Royal Star & Garter Homes. Their values resonate with me and I am looking forward to working with a team which strives to live by these every day.

“I’m eager to visit all the Homes and I’m ready to get started working with people across the organisation to maintain a great environment. I have visited the Surbiton Home already and found it humbling yet very uplifting, particularly seeing the passion and dedication of the staff and volunteers.

“I share a sense of duty and pride in service with my Military colleagues present and former and I look forward to maintaining that connection.

“I am excited about the challenge and am looking forward to being part of the team as, together, we take the next step on the journey.”

Andy Cole, Chief Executive at The Royal Star & Garter Homes, said: “These are exciting times for the charity, as we expand our Day Care service, introduce Home Care and provide residential care for younger veterans. Kate will play a pivotal role in delivering our strategy. She is clearly passionate about supporting veterans and I look forward to working with her to ensure a great environment for all of our residents, staff and volunteers.”