Press release

Jon Rouse to take up key Department of Health appointment

Jon Rouse has been confirmed as Director General for Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships at the Department of Health, announced…

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Jon Rouse has been confirmed as Director General for Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships at the Department of Health, announced Permanent Secretary, Una O’Brien today.

Jon Rouse is currently Chief Executive of the London Borough of Croydon.  He has held a number of civil service roles and was previously Chief Executive at both the Housing Corporation and the Commission for Architecture and the Build Environment. He has held a wide range of non-executive positions with organisations including English Partnerships and Homelessness International, and was a non-executive director on the Department of Health’s Board until 2010.

His responsibilities in his new post will include policies on care and support for adults, the Department’s relationship with local government across all of health and care, mental health, disability, health equalities, and health services for children.

Permanent Secretary,** Una O’Brien,** said:

“I am delighted to welcome Jon Rouse to the Department of Health as Director General for Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships.

“He will bring a wealth of experience from national and local government and the world of housing to the role.

“I look forward to working closely with him to drive forward the Government’s important improvement agenda in social care, working closely with partners in local government.”

Jon Rouse said

“We are entering a period of exciting change and challenge in social care and local government - I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead on these areas within the Department of Health. I look forward to working with the many partners responsible for delivering these important services.”

Notes to editors

For media enquiries please ring the Department of Health on 0207 210 5375.

The appointment procedures followed were in line with the Civil Service Commission’s’ Recruitment Principles. The selection panel was chaired by a Civil Service Commissioner and the appointment was approved by the Head of the Home Civil Service and the Prime Minister under standard arrangements for appointments at this level.

The Director General appointment if for a period of four years. Jon is expected to take up the appointment in March 2013.

Jon Rouse is a law graduate and holds an MBA. He held policy and private office roles in central government, before moving out to what was then English Partnerships. He later became Chief Executive of the Housing Corporation, and most recently has been Chief Executive of the London Borough of Croydon.

From April 2013, the Permanent Secretary will oversee five Directors General, including the new appointment of Jon Rouse. Jon will be taking up substantively the post vacated by David Behan.

Published 16 January 2013