Former social work reform chief Moira Gibb appointed head of merged skills body

Former Social Work Task Force chair Moira Gibb has been appointed as the new chair of Skills for Care and the National Skills Academy for Social Care, which merged last month.

Gibb will take on the role in November, when government adviser David Croisdale-Appleby will step down after serving the maximum of two three-year terms as chair of Skills for Care. Jo Cleary stepped down as chair of the skills academy after the merger was announced in April.

Gibb led the Social Work Task Force set up by the past Labour government to reform the profession in the wake of the Baby P scandal, and was then appointed to carry through its proposals as head of the Social Work Reform Board. Many of the task force’s recommendations – the creation of a national college of social work, and the assessed and supported year in employment and reforms to the social work degree – have been implemented.

She is currently a non-executive director of NHS England and previously served as chief executive of Camden Council.

Gibb said: “I am delighted to take up this important role at a vital time for social care. We need a 21st Century, integrated social care and health service that will meet the needs and aspirations of our society. We can only do so through a workforce that is confident, committed and capable – in other words, up to the job.

“Skills for Care and the Skills Academy have a crucial role to play in ensuring we have the leadership, learning and development to support everyone working with those who need care and support, at a time of continuing, substantial reform.”

Croisdale-Appleby said: “It is a great testament to the reputation and achievements of Skills for Care that someone of such distinction and with such appropriate skills and experience has been appointed to lead forward the merged organisation. This is great news for Skills for Care and the Skills Academy and for our sector as a whole.”