Coventry City Council’s Chief Executive Iain Roxburgh has designated Nora Fisher as acting director of social services, with immediate effect.

Ms Fisher will work alongside Mr Roxburgh and special advisor Peter Smallridge to lead the department on a temporary basis while the council recruits a new chief officer.

Ms Fisher has been a member of the Social Service Directorate management team since 1991 and is currently Head of Resources and Regulation.

Mr Roxburgh said:

"The city council is taking urgent steps to respond to criticisms of its social services department published last month in SSI and Joint Review reports. Nora Fisher as acting director of social services will provide management focus and authority in the department and in its dealings with other agencies throughout this difficult period."

Peter Smallridge, former director of social services in Kent, will continue in his role as special advisor to the council to oversee the action plans which address issues raised in the Joint Review and the SSI reports