New head of adult social care and all-age commissioning appointed

The city council has appointed its new head of adult social care services for Stoke-on-Trent.

Nichola Thompson will join the authority as Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning in the summer.

Stoke-on-Trent-born Nichola is currently director of health and care integration (DASS) and interim place lead - a combined role between Rochdale Borough Council and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board that she has held for the last three years.

Nichola has a career spanning 36 years in local government and adult social care, starting as a care assistant at a day centre in Staffordshire. She has held a range of roles including managing provider services, all age-commissioning, social work and special educational needs.

She replaces Peter Tomlin who is taking up a similar role at Manchester City Council after more than seven years in Stoke-on-Trent.

Nichola joins at a time when the city council’s adult social care services have been rated “good” in its latest Care Quality Commission inspection and a large-scale transformation programme has been carried out to ensure top-quality adult social care services are delivered to the people of the city.

This includes a drive to significantly reduce unmet adult social care hours – enabling more residents to receive care in their homes; a push on promoting independence through community lounges and increased digital support and a focus on high-quality care and specialised dementia services.  

The council has also received positive feedback from CQC inspectors on its good early intervention and support for carers; good access to good support on discharge from hospital and a feeling of safety among service users.

Nichola, who still lives in North Staffordshire, said: “I am really looking forward to joining the city council and building on the great work that has been done here and trying to make a big difference.

“For example, in terms of the latest Care Quality Commission Good rating, my ambition would be to use this foundation as a platform to push to be Outstanding.

“I want to work with partners to deliver services that improve outcomes for residents, reduce health inequalities and allow people to lead as independent lives as possible.

“And having lived in the area all my life I’m also very invested in the people, the heritage and the ambitions we have for the city.”

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for adult social care and all age commissioning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “We are delighted to welcome Nichola to the city council. Her wealth of experience and background - coupled with her passion for the area will make a real difference for the people of Stoke-on-Trent as we look to build on a solid platform for adult social care.”