Before taking on his role in Barnsley in 2005, he was a senior manager working across adults’ and children’s services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Prior to this, Martin worked in nuclear energy. His transition from energy to social care was sparked by volunteering with disabled people and people with mental health problems which led him into the voluntary sector and then into statutory services.
Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health at City of York Council, said: “We are delighted that Martin has been appointed. He brings with him a wealth of experience, in particular with his commitment to championing personalisation and social care management. Martin’s drive for change has shown how health and social care can come together to help older and disabled people stay independent and thus reduce pressures on hospitals and admissions to residential care.
“Whilst budgets are tighter and tough choices will need to be made, we are committed to making sure York is one of the best places in the country for provision for adult social care. I look forward to working with Martin to realise this ambition.”
Kersten England, chief executive of City of York Council, said: “We went into this process looking for an ambitious, energetic individual who will push the boundaries of how we work; finding new ways of delivering outcomes and new solutions to providing services, working with adult social care providers, the voluntary and community sectors.
“We look forward to him sharing his expertise and experience with us, challenging the status quo, pushing for new solutions to old and new challenges here in York.”
Martin added: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at City of York Council and over the coming months i’m looking forward to working with the team and partners to provide services that will continue to make a positive difference in adult social care and wellbeing.”
Martin joins the authority from Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC),as their Executive Director of Adults and Community Services and has over 20-years’ experience of working in social care, both in the voluntary and statutory sector.