A FORMER occupational therapist has been appointed as Durham County Council’s new corporate director for adult and health services.

Jane Robinson joined the council in 2014 and earlier this year stepped up to become interim head of the authority’s new directorate, which was previously part of adult and children’s services.

Now she has been appointed on a permanent basis, with a remit to oversee public and environmental, consumer protection, health commissioning and social care services for adults, and community safety.

“Durham is a great place to live and work and I am looking forward to the challenges of this new and exciting role,” she said

The council’s chief executive, Terry Collins, said: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Jane and we welcome the wealth of experience she will be able to bring to the role.

“We look forward to Jane playing a major part in the council’s future, helping us to deliver the best possible services for our residents.”

Mrs Robinson qualified as an occupational therapist in 1991 and during the 1990s worked in Newcastle, with a focus on orthopaedic rehabilitation, community and GP based services.

In 2000, she led the development of intermediate care services in Newcastle, and in 2003 she joined Darlington Borough Council as a commissioning manager, leading services for older and disabled people.