Swansea Council appoints expert to lead social services

AN expert in social services is set to take over the reins at Swansea Council. Phil Hodgson has been appointed corporate director of social services in the authority.

He will take over on October 24 — on a one-year contract — from Chris Maggs who decided to step down earlier this year.

Mr Hodgson said: “I am very pleased to be joining Swansea Council at such an important time. The agenda of supporting vulnerable people at a time of ever increasing demand, reducing public expenditure and expectations of continued improvement is challenging for all organisations and staff working in the social care sector.

“The council’s social services department has made excellent progress in the past few years and its services are working well to meet the needs of its population.”

Mr Hodgson has worked in social services for more than 35 years and in 2008 was awarded the MBE for his services to local government.

He was the Independent Chair of the Welsh Safeguarding Children Forum until August 2011 when the Forum concluded its work and presented its report to the Welsh Government.

Mr Hodgson was previously director of social services at Blaenau Gwent Council and is credited with bringing significant improvements to the department’s performance.

He later became the director of community services. Before that, Mr Hodgson spent 18 years at Oxfordshire Council.

Jack Straw, Swansea Council’s chief executive, said the new director would provide experience and stability at a very important time for social services.

He added: “We are delighted Phil Hodgson is taking up this key role in the council. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in service improvement in both adult and children’s social services.”

Nick Tregoning, cabinet member for social services, also welcomed the appointment.

He said: “Phil Hodgson’s fixed-term appointment provides stability for the department to continue improving services for the people of Swansea. It also allows us to consider how the regionalisation agenda moves forward during the next 12 months and how adult social services will be shaped in the years ahead.

“This is a very significant appointment for the council.”