A LOCAL man has been appointed to the top job to run health and social care services in Inverclyde.

Allen Stevenson has been announced as new interim chief officer following the appointment of the current incumbent Louise Long as the new chief executive of Inverclyde Council.

The appointment was announced by the council’s current chief exec, Aubrey Fawcett, who is set to retire in September.

Mr Fawcett says that Mr Stevenson is the perfect individual for the role as he will ensure stability during a time of change at the top at both organisations.

He said: “When Louise takes up the position of chief executive in September it is crucially important that there is continuity in the delivery of our essential services.

“Allen will be able to provide that continuity as part of the interim arrangements until the position can be recruited on a full time basis in partnership with our colleagues in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.”

Allen, who was born and raised in Port Glasgow and now lives in Greenock, has been head of health and community care in Inverclyde for the last four years.

Jane Grant, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, says she is 'pleased to welcome Allen to the role' running Inverclyde HSCP.

She added: “He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in health and community care and also knows and has worked in Inverclyde for many years.

“I look forward to working with him when he takes up his post next month.”

Allen has over 20 years of experience of managing HSCP services and was previously the head of adult care at Argyll and Bute's HSCP.

He was also previously chief of social work in Argyll and Bute before taking up a post in Inverclyde.

Allen said: “I am delighted to be taking on this new role on an interim basis.

“As someone who is from and still lives in Inverclyde, it’s a particular honour to be given this opportunity to lead health and social care services locally and to support the hard-working and talented staff right across the HSCP in delivering quality services for the people of this area.”

Mr Stevenson will take up the role in August ahead of Ms Long vacating the chief officer position to take charge at the Municipal Buildings as Mr Fawcett retires.