A new director of adult care services has been appointed by Hertfordshire County Council.

Chris Badger assumes the role at a critical time for the authority as it tackles the Covid pandemic, collaborates closely with partners and stakeholders across the health and care system in the county and plans for the post coronavirus recovery.

Chris is currently the interim director of adult care services. He joined the county in 2009 as head of performance and diversity and since that time he has undertaken a variety of senior roles within the council and the NHS including focussing on health and social care integration.

David Williams, Leader of the Council said: "We are very pleased to announce that Chris Badger will be the Council's Director of Adult Care Services.

"Chris brings a huge amount of relevant experience, including his knowledge of health and social care integration. This will ensure that we continue to meet the needs of all those we work with and support.

"Our adult social care teams provide vital services in our communities and have established an enviable reputation, especially for our ongoing commitment to collaboration with service users, carers, public service partners and care providers.

"This appointment will provide the leadership to build on these strengths during the pandemic and beyond."

The council's employment committee met this week and formally agreed this appointment.

This followed a rigorous recruitment process that included a national search and input from an external stakeholder panel and a panel of council staff.

Owen Mapley, Chief Executive added: "I am delighted Chris has been appointed and I am looking forward to working with him to continue responding to the pandemic and in building a sustainable future for adult care services across the county.

"Chris will provide important leadership across both the adult care sector and the council's senior officer team and will continue our clear commitment to championing a diverse and inclusive, person-centred and strength-based approach to social care practice."