Former directors` leader dies

Former Newcastle social services director Brian Roycroft died on
Friday at the age of 69. He had been receiving treatment for cancer
for some time, although it is believed he died of a heart attack,
writes Terry Philpot.

Roycroft, who retired 10 years ago, was widely considered to be
one of the most influential directors of social services, helping
to establish the Association of Directors of Social Services. He
served as both president and secretary of the association.

He became director of social services in Newcastle upon Tyne in
1967, having previously served as the city’s children’s
officer. Brought up in an NCH home, where his parents worked as
houseparents, he had worked in childcare all his life.

He was also at one time an editorial adviser to Community
Care. He was elected as “the director’s director” in a
poll conducted by the magazine.

His funeral will take place in Newcastle on Friday.