Jones names as first Scie chief executive

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.