GSCC appoints Penny Thompson as chief executive

The General Social Care Council (GSCC) has appointed a former social worker as its new chief executive. Penny Thompson will replace the interim chief executive Paul Snell, who was brought in following the suspension and dismissal of former chief executive Mike Wardle.

A trained social worker, Thompson has more than 20 years experience in social care and local government, including stints as chief executive of Hackney council and social services director of Sheffield City Council, and acting deputy chief executive of NHS Haringey.

She is currently co-director of an independent public sector consultancy.

GSCC chair Rosie Varley said: “Penny’s career demonstrates her ability to achieve in the most demanding of circumstances. In particular, her experience of turning around the performance of Sheffield’s social services department, together with her recent experience at NHS Haringey in the wake of the Baby Peter tragedy, make her an ideal candidate to take forward the GSCC at this critical juncture.”

Varley also praised Snell, for providing leadership through a turbulent period of change for the council.

Speaking on her appointment Thompson said: “I am very pleased to take this important role in leading the GSCC as it matures and strengthens its approach to regulation, supported by the Social Work Taskforce reforms.

“This challenging agenda is crucial to protecting the public, and ensuring the GSCC has the confidence and respect of the sector that the profession needs its regulator to have.”