• Rosamund Roughton promoted within adult social care department
  • Charity says role should have been created “years ago” and seeks “ambitious programme of refinancing and reform”

A dedicated director general for adult social care has been appointed in government for the first time since 2016.

Rosamond Roughton, who was until previously the Department of Health and Social Care’s director for adult social care, has been promoted to director general for adult social care, the department confirmed. 

The last director general dedicated to adult social care was Jon Rouse, who left in March 2016 to become the chief officer for Greater Manchester’s health and social care partnership. Director generals are the most senior civil service tier in departments other than permanent secretaries, and lead a directorate.

The change comes as there is a huge focus on the sector, following very high mortality in care homes from uncontrolled spread of coronavirus. There are heightened calls for funding and service reform to address its problems in the short and medium term.

Social care was previously part of the director general portfolio of Jonathan Marron, who is now, under changes made during the coronavirus outbreak, director general for personal protective equipment and public health. Previously he covered “community and social care”, including responsibilities for NHS services including primary and community health.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “The move to create a social care directorate within DHSC should have happened years ago but better late than never and it’s good to see Rosamond Roughton appointed as its first girector general.

“With a background in the NHS as well as her more recent work on social care she is very well equipped to lead the government’s efforts to prepare care to deal with a possible ‘second wave’, and for what we hope will be an ambitious programme of refinancing and reform.”

Ms Roughton has previously worked as a national director for NHS England, then took a career break before joining the DHSC last year.