Rachel Shimmin, 33, from Sedgefield, has joined Newcastle Social Services as head of commissioning and partnerships, with the main responsibility for services to adults.
She qualified as a social worker in 1995 having started her management career in 1993 with National Children's Homes.
Since then, she has built up considerable management experience and has a proven track record in social care management.
Mrs Shimmin was previously Newcastle City Council's Adoption Services manager when she undertook a review of adoption which led to 50 per cent increase in the number of children adopted.
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