Social services director resigns (From Western Telegraph)

Pembrokeshire County Council head of social services resigns

9:00am Saturday 21st January 2012 in County News

The man in charge of Pembrokeshire’s social services department during a series of high-profile investigations into child safeguarding failures has stepped down.

The Western Telegraph understands the director of social services, Jon Skone, announced in an email to colleagues last Friday that he would be leaving in June.

Mr Skone will also be relinquishing his post as County Director for Pembrokeshire with the Hywel Dda Health Board. Mr Skone was at the helm when the social services department – along with the education department – came in for criticism following reports which resulted in a Ministerial Advisory Board being appointed to the council to improve the situation.

Mr Skone is the longest serving social services director in Wales, having spent 12 years in the post.

In his email to colleagues he said he felt “this is the right time to move on to other challenges”.

“I have always been very aware since I took up my post in 2000 that, because of the nature of the role, and like many of my fellow directors, I would not necessarily remain in the same post until my retirement at 65,” Mr Skone said.

Council leader Cllr John Davies has acknowledged the contribution he has made to the authority.

Councillor Davies said: “I would like to thank him for taking on the challenges of looking after the well-being of the people of the county.

“The ever-increasing demands on social care and the expectations surrounding the service, makes it a hugely difficult field to lead. Jon has demonstrated commitment and responsibility to his position and for that we are very grateful.’’