Roy Taylor Appointed National Director for Social Care Flu Resilience

Mr Taylor will take up the post today. He will report to David Behan, Director General for Social Care. He will also work closely with Ian Dalton, the National Director for NHS Flu Resilience.

Mr Taylor will be responsible for ensuring that all social care organisations in England build on the robust planning that is already in place to deal with a flu pandemic.

Care Services Minister Phil Hope said

"We have been preparing for the possibility of a pandemic for a number of years and the World Health Organisation says we are among the most prepared countries in the world.

"Roy’s appointment will help make sure that the social care sector is in the best possible position to protect the population against flu. Roy has been involved in the planning for pandemic flu for the last three years and has worked in social care more widely for a long time before that, so he brings a wealth of experience to the role. I look forward to working with him.”

Roy Taylor said:

“The social care sector, like the NHS, needs to make sure it continues to build robust plans to protect vulnerable people from flu. Commissioners and providers need to work together and so do adult and children’s services. I look forward to helping make this happen.”

Lesley Rimmer, Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Homecare Association, said:

"Roy's appointment is extremely welcome as social care services will provide crucial support to vulnerable people at home and need to be prepared for action. Roy has a wealth of experience in social care and we are confident that his leadership will help local authorities engage and work with the independent homecare sector in responding to this pandemic. We look forward to working with Roy in his new role."