Kingston Council announces new Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Health

Sam originally joined Kingston Council in August 2021 as the council’s Assistant Director for Adult Social Care, Health Commissioning and Transformation. 

Earlier this year, she stepped in as Kingston’s Acting Director of Adult Social Care after the retirement of her predecessor, Sharon Houlden.  Following a robust recruitment process, Sam has now been appointed as the permanent director for both Adult Social Care and Health.  

Sam brings extensive experience, having worked in a range of local authorities leading across corporate transformation and social care, delivering a range of partnership improvements for residents across health and care.

Sam has played a vital role in steering RBK through a post-COVID landscape and takes on her new position at a time where Adult Social Care is delivering on a vision of empowering residents, while remaining flexible in managing the increased demand for services in a challenging financial climate.

On her appointment, Sam said:

“I am immensely pleased and proud to be taking on the role of Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Health. Ever since I joined Kingston Council, I continue to be impressed by the amount of passion, care and dedication that colleagues show as we strive to make Kingston a fairer place to live, providing quality services for our residents and supporting those most in need.

 

“My job now is to ensure that our work benefits those in Kingston who need it, and colleagues are given maximum support in their work with our residents and communities. I’m looking forward to working with all our partners and community groups as we head into winter months and beyond."

Welcoming Sam into the role, Chief Executive Sarah Ireland added:

“It’s a real pleasure to announce Sam as our new Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Health. Having worked closely with her already at Kingston.

 

"I am in no doubt she has the skills, leadership and determination required to help Adult Social Care and Health continue to deliver for our residents during a challenging time."