Stanes was appointed director of the RACA in 1996 and since 2006 she has held the position of chief executive. The RACA aims to advance the education of people in the United Kingdom in the science and art of cookery.

Since founding the Academy of Chocolate in 2005, Stanes has led the way in promoting the understanding of fine chocolate. She was also chief executive of the Adopt a School Trust, which aims to educate schoolchildren about nutrition, cookery skills and food provenance.

Richard Stanes (Sara's Husband) announced the funeral will be held on Monday 9th August at 11.00am at St. Luke’s Church, Thurleigh Rd. London SW12.

The industry tributes included:

• The Craft Guild of Chefs: “We are so sad to read the news about Sara Jayne Stanes this afternoon. She has done so much for our industry over the years. Ours thoughts are with her and our friends at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.”
• Will Torrent: “Such sad news indeed. RIP to a true giant of our industry and oracle of all things chocolate. Sara, you will be greatly missed by so many. What a legacy you leave behind.”
• Raymond Blanc: “I have known Sarah Jayne for more than 30 years and I have always admired all of her skills and her personality which has allowed the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Adopt a School to grow and achieve so much in the hospitality industry. I send my condolences to the family of Sara Jayne Stanes.”
• The Clink Charity: “We’re very sorry to hear the sad news about Sara Jayne Stanes OBE. Sara was a great supporter of our work and visited our students at HMP High Down to host chocolate masterclasses in the past. We send our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues.”