The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) announced new national leads for key policy areas equalities and diversity, learning disabilities and mental health, last Friday.

ADASS honorary secretary Richard Webb congratulated the three appointees, and added: ‘ADASS is very much a member-driven association, and depends hugely on the commitment and involvement of so many of its members in order to maintain an important profile in all areas which effect older people and vulnerable adults.'

Samih Kalakeche, director adult services and health at Liverpool Council, will lead the association on equalities and diversities.

Daljit Lally, corporate director for adult services, housing and community health services, Northumberland CC/Northumbria healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, will take up the joint policy lead for learning disabilities, working alongside Dudley's Andrea Pope-Smith.

The joint mental health policy lead will be Stephanie Butterworth, executive director, community, environment, adults and health services, Tameside MBC, who will share the responsibility with Terry Dafter, the director for adult social care at Stockport.