A GOVERNMENT advisor has been appointed as a city's new director of social services.

Glenys Jones, from Stockton, takes up the role in Sunderland after serving as corporate director of social services with Middlesbrough Council for six years.

Her career in social services has seen her take on several high ranking posts across the country, and she chairs the Northern Region Association of Directors of Social Services and the National Older People's Committee. Ms Jones represents the latter group on the Older People's Taskforce, and has presented work to the House of Commons Select Committee and served on Government advisory groups on its behalf.

She said: "I have a particular interest in exploring how we can work in partnership with our health colleagues, not only in delivering better services for older people, but for vulnerable children and adults with disabilities and mental health problems.

"It is important that people can access the right services at the right time. It is an exciting time to be in Sunderland as the city is at the forefront of new developments. I am looking forward to coming to Sunderland and joining an excellent team, to hopefully help build on what has already been achieved in making Sunderland social services one of the best in the country."