New learning diffiuclties tsar appointed by Ivan Lewis

The Department of Health has appointed a new tsar to help lead the government policy on learning difficulties, new care services minister Ivan Lewis announced today.

Nicola Smith, who has learning difficulties, has been appointed to work alongside the National Director for Learning Disabilities Rob Greig with immediate effect.

Ivan Lewis said: “It is important that we listen directly to the views of people with learning disabilities in making policy, commissioning services and providing care.”

Smith currently works as a part-time ‘Powerful Trainer’ with an organisation that promotes awareness of learning difficulties. She first became involved in self-advocacy 10 years ago.

The post is salaried.