The Appointments Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council was scheduled to convene on Wednesday 29 April 2026 to discuss the recruitment process for the Director of Adult Social Care. The meeting's agenda included the election of a chair, declarations of interest, and the potential exclusion of the press and public for a specific agenda item. The primary focus was on the interviews for the Director of Adult Social Care position.

Director of Adult Social Care Interviews

The main item scheduled for discussion was the recruitment process for the Director of Adult Social Care. The report pack outlined the process for appointing to this senior role, which is crucial for delivering adult social care services in Lambeth. The council's commitment to social justice, tackling inequality, and the One Lambeth way of working, as detailed in the Lambeth 2030 Borough Plan, was highlighted as the context for this recruitment. The role of Adult Social Care is considered central to Lambeth's priorities, particularly in addressing an aging population and enhancing integrated care with health and community partners.

The report detailed the steps taken in the recruitment process, including executive search conducted by Gatenby Sanderson, longlisting by the Corporate Director: Integrated Health and Adult Social Care, and technical interviews. The Appointments Sub-Committee had previously met on 23 April 2026 for a shortlisting meeting. The scheduled meeting on 29 April 2026 was for the final interview panel.

The report recommended noting the appointment process, excluding the press and public from further discussion due to the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to candidate details, and conducting interviews to submit a recommendation to the Full Council for approval. The funding for the Director of Adult Social Care post was noted as £141,000 per annum, with an estimated annual budget of £189,000 including on-costs.

The role of the Director of Adult Social Care, also known as the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS), involves leading and delivering adult social care services, ensuring compliance with legal and statutory standards, and promoting best practice. This includes safeguarding adults as defined by the Care Act 2014¹ and ensuring the voices of individuals with lived experience inform service delivery. The role also encompasses oversight of sanctuary services for those seeking refuge in Lambeth, in line with the Nationality and Borders Act 2022².

The job description for the Director of Adult Social Care emphasised the need for a leader who can drive change, manage services effectively, and work collaboratively with partners. Key accountabilities include contributing to the strategic direction of the council, championing equity and justice, and meticulous oversight of directorate budgets to ensure value for money. The role requires a strong understanding of the health, care, and local government landscape, with a proven track record in delivering adult social care services in a partnership environment and leading significant organisational change. A Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England were listed as essential qualifications.

The report also noted that the position is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989³, meaning the post holder is restricted from undertaking or participating in any political activity. The timetable for the recruitment process indicated that following the final interviews, a Well Founded Objection process would commence, with approval sought from Full Council thereafter.