Jonathan Smith has been appointed to the post of Strategic Director (social inclusion) with Coventry City Council. Mr Smith is expected to take up the post, which includes responsibility for the city’s social services department, in August.

Mr Smith, 46, has served as Director of Social Services with Tameside Metropolitan borough Council since 1993 and has more than 24 years local government experience.

Mr Smith is well known within the national social services network. He is a member of the Association of directors of Social Services, and has served as chair of the North West branch of the association.

Chief Executive Iain Roxburgh said:

"Jonathan is a highly experienced and successful director of social services. I am confident that under his leadership Coventry’s Social Services will again be among the best in the country. I am also confident that he has the breadth of vision to co-ordinate the council’s attack on social inclusion and poverty – a key Coventry community priority. I am delighted to welcome him as a colleague."