Oxfordshire’s director of adult social care becomes ADASS president
Oxfordshire’s Director of Adult Social Care, Stephen Chandler, will be a leading face for social care nationally as he takes up the role of president of national social care charity, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS).
The position, which is held for one year, heads up the charity’s board of trustees, which in turn represents current and former directors of adult social services, and other senior staff across England.
Stephen was handed the baton from James Bullion, Director of Adult Social Care at Norfolk County Council, on 28 April 2021. In his inaugural speech, Stephen said: “For me it is a great privilege to become ADASS president, and one I look forward to with equal fear and excitement.”
Yvonne Rees, Oxfordshire County Council’s Chief Executive, commented: “This is an amazing achievement for both Stephen and our council as it gives us an opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic work we have been doing locally. I wish Stephen well in this high-profile national role.”
Stephen joined Oxfordshire County Council back in September 2019. Having started his career as a mental health nurse, he worked for the first half of his career in several NHS roles including board level positions.
Following a period as a joint commissioner, he has spent the past 16 years within local government in several assistant director and director of adult services positions.
He had also been the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADASS) national policy lead for mental health since 2014, and vice president.
More information
- Read Stephen Chandler’s inaugural ADASS speech in full on the ADASS website: https://www.adass.org.uk/press-release-new-president-speech
- The Association of Directors of Adults Social Services is a charity. Its members are current and former directors of adult care or social services and their senior staff. Its objectives include:
- Furthering comprehensive, equitable, social policies and plans, which reflect and shape the economic and social environment of the time;
- Furthering the interests of those who need social care services regardless of their backgrounds and status;
- Promoting high standards of social care services.