This in from the council, in their own words, Ed
The post of strategic director for community wellbeing and social care is to cease, with current holder Ian Anderson leaving the organisation at the end of October.
The measure follows changes to the leadership and management of the council’s children’s services as well as anticipated future partnership working with the NHS on the Island and the Clinical Commissioning Group.
Councillor Ian Stephens, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, 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 1 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.”
The transitional position will be managed by Dave Burbage, as the council’s managing director and Mark Howell, head of commissioning – community wellbeing.
This is designed to minimise disruption to services and anxiety among staff during a period of further organisational change.
Council is facing a significant reduction in resources
Dave 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.”
“I wish both the council and its partners well”
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.”
