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Top 20 most influential people in social care

We have compiled a list of the 20 most influential people in the social care sector as voted for by readers of Community Care and visitors to www.communitycare.co.uk

Overall list

Jo Williams

1) Jo Williams, chief executive, Mencap

Williams was described by one voter as "well-respected at all levels within social services as a highly competent manager and leader and also as a passionate advocate of social care values".

 

Denise Platt

2) Denise Platt, chair Commission for Social Care Inspection

One voter said: "Denise is one of the most observant, articulate and informed strategic managers and policy makers in the business.  This is matched by a razor sharp focus on getting things done.  She combines these strengths with a very ‘down to earth’ mind set."

 

Bob Holman

3)  Bob Holman, writer and campaigner

Holman "better than almost anyone, embodies the profession's values," said one person who nominated him.  "He gave up his social work professorship to work among poor and disadvantaged families, first in Bath, then on the Easterhouse estate in Glasgow.  His whole approach has been to empower local people and support them in realising their own potential."

 

Felicity Collier

4) Felicity Collier, chief executive, Baaf Adoption and Fostering                                 

One voter said of Collier:  "She’s demonstrated her passion for children over nearly thirty years in social care and doesn’t pull her punches when it comes to adoption policy".

Naomi Eisenstadt

5) Naomi Eisenstadt, national director, Sure Start, DfES

One voter said: "She took a new idea and convinced everyone - it worked brilliantly."

Mary Marsh

6) Mary Marsh, chief executive, NSPCC

One person said of Marsh "She has led the charity through a period of considerable change and consolidated its position as a standard-bearer for children."

Paul Ennals

7) Paul Ennals, chief executive, NCB

Paul was nominated for "his influence across the whole gamut of children's issues". The voter added: "He is respected for his skills of consensus buiding and not  tub-thumping for any particular lobby."

June Thoburn

8) Professor June Thoburn, University of East Anglia

One voter nominated Thoburn for "her impact in the field of child and family social work over the last.40 years".

 

Peter Beresford

9) Peter Beresford, chair Shaping Our Lives and professor of social policy at Brunel University

Beresford's work was described by one voter as "extremely useful and inspirational".

 

David Behan

10) David Behan, chief executive, Commission for Social Care Inspection

One voter said: "David Behan is already in arguably the most influential post in social care, as chief inspector. But he usually manages to combine this heavyweight authority with a certain amount of charm and deftness of touch."

Jayne Zito

11) Jayne Zito, founder and director of The Zito Trust

One voter said of Jayne: "Since the death of her husband, she has tirelessly campaigned for improved recognition of the needs of people with mental health problems and for more complete and efficient services in mental health support."

Lord Victor Adebowale

12) Lord Victor Adebowale, chief executive Turning Point One voter said: "Victor is one of the social care voluntary sector’s most high profile figures and is listened to by government and opinion formers such as think tanks."





13) Roger Singleton, chief executive, Barnardo’s

Roger Singleton

One person said: "During his long spell at the helm of Barnardo's, Roger Singleton has been among the most consistent champions of children's interests."

Bert Massie

14) Bert Massie, chair, Disability Rights Commission

One voter said: "I nominate Bert Massie because he’s an influential role model for the very many disabled people who feel excluded from mainstream politics."

Anne Owers

15) Anne Owers, chief inspector, HM Prisons Inspectorate

Owers was nominated by one voter for "for shining light in dark corners - drawing attention to the inhumane conditions of chldren in prison".

 

Anthony Douglas

Joint 16) Anthony Douglas, chief executive, Cafcass

Douglas was described by one voter as "one of the most important voices speaking for vulnerable children in his new role as chief executive of Cafcass".



 

Ratna Dutt

Joint 16) Ratna Dutt, former director, Race Equality Unit

One voter said: "Ratna has been the most high profile and tireless campaigner for race equality in social care for many years."

Jane Campbell

18) Jane Campbell, chair, Social Care Institute of Excellence

Campbell was nominated by one voter for "her great contribution to disabled rights".

Prof Rod Morgan

Joint 19) Professor Rod Morgan, chair, Youth Justice Board

Morgan was described by one voter as "a down-to-earth man, who speaks openly and honestly about the youth justice system".

Joint 19) Marjorie Wallace, founder and chief executive, SANE

Marjorie Wallace

One voter said: "She led the move that turned round the Sun's reporting of Frank Bruno's illness, from thoughtless sensationalism to realistic, even sympathetic, coverage."