SCIE media releases 2006

SCIE appoints former director of social services as its new chair

16 February 2006

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has announced that Allan Bowman will take over the role of chair on 1 April this year.

Allan is a qualified social worker and has most recently worked as Head of Programmes at the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Prior to that, Allan was Strategic Director for Social Care and Health at Brighton and Hove Council where he was responsible for merging health and social care services. Previously he worked in senior social care management roles in Fife, Essex and Tayside councils.

Announcing the appointment, Chief Executive of SCIE, Bill Kilgallon, said:

"We are very pleased to have made this appointment. Allan's long career in the sector and his clear understanding and experience of the interface between social care and health will put SCIE in an excellent position at this crucial turning point in the sector's development. His knowledge of regeneration and the role of social care in community development will bring a new element to SCIE's work."

Accepting the appointment, Allan Bowman, said:

"I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as chair of SCIE. I have been very impressed with the organisation's work to date: it has built a solid knowledge base on which the sector can base its practice and has developed a strong culture of service user involvement within the organisation. I look forward to working with SCIE's board, staff and stakeholders in the future.

"I know that there is a good story to tell about social care - my priority will be to ensure that the good practice identified by SCIE is shared, so that we can continue to drive up the quality of care that service users receive. Evidence-based practice and related standards need to be embedded into everyday care, and into the training and development of the social workers of the future. I am committed to involving all stakeholders - including service users, carers, providers, practitioners, educators and researchers - in this process.

"I want social care to be one of the government's top 10 priorities - alongside health. I also believe that both sectors need to develop a better understanding of the different cultures in which they operate, and how they can work together more collaboratively."

Director of the British Association of Social Workers, Ian Johnston, supports the appointment:

"Allan's appointment to SCIE is great news. His extensive experience, together with his drive, enthusiasm and absolute commitment to improving the standard of care, will be a real asset to SCIE - and the sector as a whole. I have know Allan for many years and am confident that he will build on the excellent work of his predecessor and continue to raise the profile of social care. He will bring a broad perspective to the role including 30 years as a social worker and social care manager, and a clear understanding of the political environment following his recent career within the Neighbourhood Renewal Team. I am delighted and look forward to continuing to work with Allan in his new role."

Chair of SCIE, Jane Campbell, who will be stepping down from her role on 31 March, said:

"I am very pleased for SCIE that Allan will be its new chair. Allan has an enormous amount of experience and is very different from me. He will bring a fresh approach and a new vision to SCIE's work."

The decision was made by SCIE's Board of Trustees a board meeting today (16 February 2006).

Media contacts

Iris Steen | Director of Communications | T: 020 7089 6840 | M: 07885 736 643| iris.steen@scie.org.uk

Annie Goss| Communications Officer | T: 020 7089 7117 | M: 07739 438 192 | annie.goss@scie.org.uk