Former director Brian Roycroft dies

Brian Roycroft, a leading figure in the world
of social care, died last week at the age of 69.

He
became director of social services in Newcastle upon Tyne when the
department was created in 1967, having previously served as the
city’s children’s officer. Brought up in an NCH home, where his
mother and father were houseparents, he worked in child care for
most of his life.

Roycroft served as both president
and secretary of the Association of Directors of Social Services.
He was also at one time an editorial adviser to Community
Care.

His
funeral is to be held on Friday, 1 June. A full obituary will
appear in next week’s Community Care.