A LEADING expert on social care in Britain has been announced as Suffolk's new Director of social care and health. Anthony Douglas, currently an executive director with the London Borough of Havering, serves on the national executive of the Association of Directors of Social Services as vice-chair of the British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering.

A LEADING expert on social care in Britain has been announced as Suffolk's new Director of social care and health.

Anthony Douglas, currently an executive director with the London Borough of Havering, serves on the national executive of the Association of Directors of Social Services as vice-chair of the British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering.

Mr Douglas has also written three books on social care specialising in child protection, mental health and adoption.

As Suffolk County Council's Director of social care and health Mr Douglas will have responsibility for a rapidly evolving social care service, and has to help develop increasingly close working arrangements with the county's new NHS Trusts.

"I am thrilled to be appointed," said Mr Douglas. "Suffolk already has some very good social care services, and I am keen to work with all our staff and local residents to make them even better.

"This is a challenging time for all those involved in providing these crucial services, and I know Suffolk County Council has a strong commitment to helping those people who need us most. There are many unsung heroes providing vital support to local residents day after day. I want to make sure this work is recognised publicly."

Lin Homer, chief executive of Suffolk County Council, said: "We are delighted to have appointed Anthony. He will not only bring huge expertise to our social care services, but will be a great asset in moving our overall agenda forward.

"We have made significant improvements in social care over the last year, thanks to the hard work of existing staff. I feel confident that Anthony will move us on from strength to strength."

Mr Douglas' is likely to begin his role in Suffolk in July or August.