Isle social care director leaves post

The Isle of Wight Council’s social care director will leave the authority at the end of the month. Ian Anderson, strategic director for community wellbeing and social care, will not be replaced.
The post has been scrapped as part of a wider restructure, which has seen Hampshire County Council take over the management of children’s social care services and education, said council leader Cllr Ian Stephens.

Hampshire took over in the wake of a damning Osted report earlier this year, which found children had been left at risk by council failings.

He said: “This change has resulted from the restructure arising out of our strategic partnership for children’s services with Hampshire County Council, which began on July.

“Additionally, under the council’s root and branch review we need to develop an integrated adult social care agenda with both the NHS on the Island and the Clinical Commissioning Group.”

Mr Anderson said: “The council faces unprecedented challenges over the next three years with huge reductions in government funding. In addition it faces increasing demand as the Island’s older and disabled population grows.

“Part of the solution lies in delivering a more integrated approach with the NHS but this is going to require a lot of work to deliver, especially as at the same time the council has to implement the most significant legislative changes in over 20 years resulting from the Care Bill currently going through Parliament.

“I wish both the council and its partners well. There are many good people working in public services and the voluntary sector here and I hope they can continue to receive the leadership and support required to build on what has been achieved to date.”

In a bid to minimise disruption to services and anxiety among staff, Mr Anderson’s role will be taken on transitionally by the council’s managing director, Dave Burbage, and Mark Howell, head of commissioning in community wellbeing, according to today’s statement.

Mr Burbage said: “These changes are against the backdrop of the significant reduction in resources being faced by the council — and the need to adopt a senior management structure that reflects this position.

“I would like to thank Ian for his hard work over the past three years and wish him well for the future.”