SCIE chairperson appointed

The first chairperson of the Social Care Institute of Excellence
(SCIE) has been appointed by the department of health and Welsh
Assembly.

Jane Campbell, who is currently co-director of the National
Centre for Independent Living, will work alongside the government,
SCIE’s chief executive, board and stakeholders to set up the
new organisation.

Health minister Jacqui Smith announced the appointment: “We are
determined to improve the quality of social care provision and
tackle current variations in care across the country.

“Social services provide crucial support and care for many
people across the country and the highest possible standards must
be set in all areas at all times. SCIE is key to achieving this
goal,” she added.

Campbell is also a commissioner of the Disability Rights
Commission, and as a governor of the National Institute for Social
Work, she has been closely involved in the institute’s
work.

Campbell said: “Social care has been the Cinderella public
service for far too long. There is excellent practice out there and
it is up to SCIE to turn that practice into accessible ‘know
how’, so that all stakeholders can benefit and move
forward.

“I hope my appointment will send out a clear message to everyone
involved in social care that service users will not only be
welcomed to help shape service delivery but will be expected to
participate at every level,” Campbell added.

SCIE will be established by the department of health and the
National Assembly for Wales by autumn this year. The appointments
process for the chief executive and the board members is currently
underway.