Vale of Glamorgan Council's new Director of Social Services
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has announced the appointment of
Phil Evans as its new Director of Social Services.
Mr Evans has a career in social services spanning nearly 35
years and is currently with the Care and Social Services
Inspectorate Wales. He will take up his new post in January
2008
Speaking about his new job, Mr Evans said: “I intend my
appointment to mark a new chapter for social services. It’s an
opportunity for us to build on the good work being done by the
council and to deliver its ambitious plans for improvement with
better access for the public, and more emphasis on helping people
to remain independent and in control of their lives.
“I’m aware there are great challenges but also believe strongly
in the prospects for delivering excellent social services to people
in the Vale of Glamorgan. We will work energetically with other
people in the council, with the Local Health Board, the NHS,
voluntary organisations and private enterprises to put people
first, improve public services, and make best use of public
money.”
Vale Council Chief Executive John Maitland Evans said: "In his
very challenging role, Mr Evans will ensure the council delivers
services of the highest quality. He brings a wealth of experience
and expertise to the job and, supported by very enthusiastic and
dedicated staff, will drive forward further improvement and
innovation."
Mr Evans began his social work career in 1973, specialising in
direct work with children. In 1981, he became the first manager of
the Penygraig project, a centre that pioneered new ways of helping
troubled youngsters.
He was a district manager in Mid Glamorgan and then a principal
officer with responsibilities that included the protection of
vulnerable children. Between 1996 and 2001, Mr Evans worked in
Rhondda Cynon Taff and managed services for children and families.
During this period, he obtained a Master’s degree in public
management.
In his current role of managing delivery of the joint review
programme in Wales, Mr Evans has led a wide range of inspections
and reviews to examine how well councils are providing social
services that help vulnerable people and people in need. He said:
"The work of joint reviews has a very high profile, and has
successfully helped a number of councils across Wales to improve
services."
For 25 years, as a volunteer, Mr Evans has been a director and
trustee of Valleys Kids. During this time, the charity has grown
from small beginnings to an enterprise employing more than 50
staff. The contribution it makes to helping Valleys communities has
been recognised by many people from Rhodri Morgan, the First
Minister, to Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Mr Evans, who has a large and close family, said: “We span four
generations. This means I’m obliged to keep up with new ideas and
to understand the way in which all people’s lives are
changing.”