News

The Department of Health and the Welsh assembly have appointed Ray Jones, director of social services for Wiltshire Council, as the first chief executive of the new Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie).

Jones, who is also a visiting professor of the centre for evidence based social services at Exeter University, will work closely with Scie's new chairperson, Jane Campbell.

Two board members of Scie were also named: Susannah Walker, who is a barrister with experience in the social care field; and Gilbert Smith, a former vice-chancellor of the University of Northumbria.

Health minister Jacqui Smith said: "Professor Jones' expertise and his profile in the social care field will be a tremendous asset to Scie. His commitment to raising standards in social care will make him an excellent chief executive."

Scie's Jane Campbell said Jones had a "phenomenal knowledge of the social care sector and importantly has a good understanding of what works for users and support staff."

Jane Hutt, minister for health and social services at the National Assembly for Wales, said "We are delighted that Scie has attracted such a strong team to lead it."

Scie will be responsible for highlighting and disseminating evidence of what is effective in social care.