ADULT social services in two boroughs are set to be overseen by one director under ambitious new plans.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) have agreed to appoint a joint Director of Adult Social Services (DASS) to manage the statutory social care duties of both councils.

Angela Morris, who currently holds the position of Operations Director at Optalis, will step into the new role for a trial period of nine months, and will spearhead a project to assess the future direction of WBC's adult services.

Angela said: "I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity to focus on the adult statutory requirements of two councils. This role of shared DASS illustrates the direction and leadership at WBC and RBWM who have taken a joint approach that is collaborative, innovative and commercial.

"As both councils are the sole shareholders for Optalis and Optalis delivers Adult Social Care in its entirety for RBWM and in part for WBC I will be working with Martin Farrow and his senior management team very closely.”

Manjeet Gill, interim chief executive at WBC, said: “We’re delighted Angela has been appointed to this important role. She brings a great deal of experience to the post as well as commitment and enthusiasm, which will stand her in good stead for the future.

"As with all local authorities around the country we’re facing extreme financial pressures in adult social care owing to rising demands from our older population. Because of this we took the decision to separate the director posts for Children and Adults. And for a trial period we will share the director for adults with the Royal Borough.

"This partnership builds on from the many successful shared services we have with the Royal Borough, offering value for money for all our residents.”