Rochdale Borough Council has appointed Sheila Downey as its new Director of Adult Social Care. Ms Downey, who starts her new role in June, will succeed Jim Wilson who previously held the post on an interim basis. She is experienced in all areas of health and social care with a successful track record of delivering major change and innovation.

Action on dementia care is not still not progressing at a suitable pace, according to MPs. The Commons Public Accounts Committee report has claimed there is a lack of direction, despite government vows to make it a care priority.

Employers of social workers will be expected to conduct a “health check” of the support they offer employees, under a programme of reform for social work practice in England announced today.

The government conceded that its eye-catching bill to provide free care at home for the vulnerable will have to wait until after the election after peers inflicted a series of defeats.