A NEW chief executive has been appointed to take the helm of community health and social care services in Gloucestershire.

Paul Jennings becomes chief executive of Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust with immediate effect, moving from his role as interim chief executive held since June 2013.

Ingrid Barker, chairman of Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust, said Mr Jennings was the outstanding candidate from a strong field of applicants and the unanimous choice of the interview panel.

“I am confident that his experience, skills and leadership will further strengthen the trust’s role to provide people in Gloucestershire with the care they need, at the right time and within their local communities, either at home or close to home,” he said.

Mr Jennings has worked in the NHS for over 30 years in a range of senior roles and has a long history of managing community services, including learning disabilities and mental health services.

Prior to this, he held the role of interim chief executive at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Jennings said he had initially intended to move on to another interim role once a new chief executive had been appointed.

“But I have been struck by the dedication, professionalism and warmth of colleagues who work incredibly hard to provide great community-based care to local people, and attracted by the opportunity to lead the trust through the exciting - if tough - challenges that lie ahead,” he said.

“I am delighted to be joining the trust to see these and other changes through to fruition, and looking forward to strengthening our role and relationships in local communities to meet people’s needs for health and social care.”