SCIE names new chief executive

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has appointed Kathryn Smith as its new chief executive.

Ms Smith will take up the role at the beginning of May, replacing Tony Hunter, who stood down earlier this month after six years in the post. 

She was previously chief operating officer for Alzheimer’s Society, where she had overall responsibility for managing the Society’s services and delivering the New Deal on Dementia strategy. 

In addition, she has more than 30 years’ experience working in health and social care, starting in care homes in the private sector and working up to a two-year stint as a social care inspector. 

Ms Smith was the director of services at Scope and has held a number of voluntary positions, including acting as a trustee for a small disability charity, giving her time as Side by Side volunteer and vice-chairing a board of school governors.

‘I am delighted that Kathryn Smith will be joining SCIE as our new Chief Executive at the beginning of May,’ said SCIE chair, Paul Burstow. 

‘I have been impressed with Kathryn’s deep commitment to working collaboratively with the sector and with people who use services and carers to support people to live the best lives they possibly can. The board of trustees, and SCIE’s staff, are hugely looking forward to working with her as we take SCIE on the next stage of its evolution.’

Ms Smith added: ‘Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been passionate and committed about the delivery and availability of good social care for all of those that need it. 

‘I’m very excited to be coming across to SCIE and continuing a long and impressive legacy of producing really effective, high-quality information and guidance, as well as being a leader in improvements across the sector.’

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