MARGARET Asquith has been appointed as director of social services for Darlington Borough Council.
With more than 20 years experience in social services, Mrs Asquith worked in Blackpool and Lancashire before joining Newcastle City Council in 1999 as head of children's services.
In that post, and during a secondment in 2000 as head of commissioning, she was a key member of the team that helped to transform Newcastle's social services department.
In June last year, the department received the highest Department of Health performance rating of three stars, making it one of the eight best providers of social services in England and Wales.
Mrs Asquith, who will take up her post in the town at the end of August, said: "I am looking forward to working in Darlington and helping the service reach its full potential."
The council's chief executive, Barry Keel, said: "I am delighted about the appointment. Margaret comes to Darlington with a lot of experience and an impressive record."
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