DH secondment could be long-term

The planned secondment from the Department of Health to the
Association of Directors of Social Services could become a
long-term arrangement, it has emerged, writes Mithran
Samuel.

John Dixon, co-chair of the ADSS disabilities committee, said
the secondment, thought to be unprecedented, would initially last a
year, but could be extended.

Dixon said the ADSS would interview for the role within the next
two months and wanted a senior civil servant to fill the position,
preferably someone working on the forthcoming white paper on health
and social care.

He said: “I’m quite keen for it to be someone who
has credibility within the DH.”

The secondee will work part-time for the ADSS, reporting to
business manager Mary Gillingham, and their key role will be to
help the ADSS respond to the white paper.

Dixon said the arrangement reflected the DH’s recognition
that it could not do without the sector to implement its
reforms.