THE director of adult services in Somerset is to leave his post on August 1.

Stephen Chandler has been in the post with Somerset County Council since January 2016, having previously served in a similar position with Shropshire Council.

The full council was informed on Wednesday morning (July 17) that Mr Chandler would be departing to take up a new role with Oxfordshire County Council.

A temporary director will be put in place on August 1, with the council looking to recruit Mr Chandler’s permanent successor in September.

Scott Wooldridge, the council’s monitoring officer, stated in his written report: “Stephen Chandler has tendered his resignation and will be joining Oxfordshire County Council.

“Members will know the energy, passion and enthusiasm he has brought to the role and what a difference that has made to the transformation work in adult social care.

“In terms of a permanent replacement, a full recruitment campaign will start in early-September.

“Pending the departure of Mr Chandler and the recruitment to the role, Mel Lock (our adult services operations director) will be appointed as the acting director of adult services with effect from August 1.”

Council leader David Fothergill stressed Mr Chandler’s departure was not related to the recent BBC Panorama documentaries on adult social care.

Mr Chandler was instrumental in inviting film crews into the council for almost a year to reflect national challenges in the way in which social care is commissioned and funded.

Mr Fothergill said: “He has been the right man in the right place at the right time, and we should be grateful for that.”

Councillor Bill Revans, the Lib Dems’ spokesperson for adult social care, said: “We will remember Stephen for his long lingering looks into the mirror on Panorama.

“Throughout some of the difficult exchanges we’ve had, he has gone above and beyond in being an advocate for this council.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Chandler said his new position would bring similar changes but also make it easier for him to see his family.

He said: “The job in Oxfordshire has a number of similar facets to my experiences in Somerset, which I believe I have a lot to offer.

“There are a number of similar challenges to those I have addressed here, which I’m keen to bring my personal experience and style to – such as supporting safe and timely discharges from hospital, and developing their care provider market.

“It is a larger authority, physically and in terms of budget, and has a city aspect too. The links with the academic sector are also attractive.

“Being based in Oxfordshire also helps with some of the work I have been doing nationally, and getting to London and back will be easier.

“My family home is in Worcestershire, and this role allows me to commute –  something that has not been possible during my time here.  This is important as I have an eight-year-old child.

“I wasn’t looking to leave but this role offered such an opportunity I could not resist it.”

Mr Chandler singled out the Panorama programmes as one of his proudest achievements, describing the filming as “a really positive experience”.

He added: “During my time here we’ve played a real role in putting social care up the agenda.

“I am really proud of a number of achievements – the development of a clear approach to supporting vulnerable people via ‘Promoting Independence’: the work I’ve done with our fantastic partners in health and social care; the performance improvement in all areas; and the the absolute focus on financial management – spending money in the right way.

“We’re now seen as an authority that stands up for social care and is proud of what it does, and that’s really important when you’re trying to recruit new people and enthusiastic people to work in social care in Somerset.

“My successor needs to continue the work that’s been underway, continue to build relations with all partners but to also continue to shout loudly about the success of Somerset.

“I’ve worked with Mel Lock throughout my time here. She’s played an important part in what we’ve achieved over the last three-and-a-half years and I know she’s committed to carrying on the work we’ve started.”