We are delighted to have worked on the successful campaign to appoint the new Assistant Director of Children’s Social Care at Newcastle City Council. Following the current Assistant Director’s move to lead the innovative Family Insights Programme, Karen Simmons will take up the post from August 2016 to continue the development of these highly regarded services. Following a nationwide search amongst current ADs and Heads of Service to find emerging talent ready for a step up, it is clear that finding the best talent within social care is still a challenging task. Many dedicated practicioners are keen to “finish” their current change programmes or reluctant to move, seeing potential career risk at a time of increasing public scrutiny on their work.