Stoke-on-Trent’s head of adult social care to leave council after ‘transformational and successful’ seven years

The Corporate Director for Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning at the council is to take up a new role with one of the biggest authorities in the country.

Peter Tomlin, who joined the council in 2018, will leave in March to become the Strategic Director of Adult Social Care at Manchester City Council.

Peter will depart after leading a successful large-scale transformation programme to ensure top-quality adult social care services are delivered to the people of the city.

It has culminated in the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating adult social care in Stoke-on-Trent “Good” during an assessment of the service earlier in the year – a demonstration of how people’s care needs are met, despite challenging financial circumstances.

Peter said: “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to lead the services in Stoke-on-Trent and I am so proud of everything we have achieved. This has been a very difficult decision to make and I will miss the city and, most of all, the people.

“It is a place that really has adopted me - and it has been an honour. While I am looking forward to a new challenge in Manchester, I wanted to thank everyone who has supported me to make a difference for our most vulnerable residents in Stoke-on-Trent, improving their lives and helping them live a life that matters to them.”

Meanwhile, Lee Calvert is stepping down from his role as Director of Adult Social Care at the council – to take on the same role at Salford City Council.

Lee, who has been with the authority for three years, is returning to his native north-west to take on the role.

He said: “I’ve really loved my time in Stoke-on-Trent. I've learned so much about the city in my three years here and leave with a real fondness and affinity for the area and its brilliant people.  I feel exceptionally proud of all those who work within the adult social care team and what we have accomplished together. More than anything, I will never forget what it feels like to work here.”

A recruitment process will soon be underway to make appointments to the two key roles.

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning, said: “I’m very sad to see Peter and Lee go but want to thank them both for the excellent, successful and transformational work they have done in helping to improve adult social care.

“While they will agree it takes a team to be successful, their leadership and drive have been instrumental in the steps we have taken and the CQC “Good” rating that we received earlier this year.

“And it’s precisely because they’ve built such good teams that I’m reassured we’ll continue to go from strength to strength. We are determined not to lose momentum in the transition and I will be working closely with the Chief Executive and the Adult Social Care management team to ensure progress is maintained.

“I’d like to wish Peter and Lee the very best of luck in the next steps of their careers. They go with our heartfelt thanks for their contribution and they will always be welcome in the city.”