Director of community and adult care in Gloucestershire, to leave post

After almost a decade leading the county’s social services, Margaret Sheather leaves Gloucestershire County Council this week.

Now Group Director of Community & Adult Care, Margaret, who lives in Spring Hill, Nailsworth, came to Gloucestershire in 2000 as Director of Social Services, with responsibility for children and adults.

Since 2006 she has led the Community & Adult Care directorate, with responsibility for adult social care (including learning disabilities), libraries, archives, adult education, equalities and customer services.

Margaret said: “The nature of social care is that it is the most rewarding job you can ever do, but it is also one of the most challenging. I have really enjoyed working with and for the people of Gloucestershire and I have now made the county my home.

“Over the last 10 years, I have worked with some brilliant people, including dedicated councillors such as Ann Peniket, Maureen Rutter and Alan Pearce. I would like to thank the staff and elected members who have shown great commitment to social services. I am now looking forward to some time off before taking on a new challenge in the future.”

Margaret Sheather officially leaves her post on 31st December 2009 to pursue a freelance career.

Cllr Tony Hicks, Cabinet Member for Community and Adult Care, said: “I have worked with Margaret for the last four years and we are proud of our achievements together, particularly in adult social care. Margaret leaves at a positive time, with the Audit Commission recognising the improvements we’ve made at a time of increased demand for services. She will be greatly missed and I wish her the very best for the future.”

Chief Executive of NHS Gloucestershire, Jan Stubbings said: “Health and social care have had difficult times in the past and during this time Margaret has provided many years of dedicated service. I, like all her colleagues, wish her well for the future.”

The council is appointing an interim Group Director of Community and Adult Care to cover the post.