Stoke-on-Trent City Council has appointed its new head of adult social care services.

Nichola Thompson, who is from Stoke-on-Trent, will join the authority as Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning in the summer.

With a 36 year career in local government and adult social care behind her, Nichola has held the role of director of health and care integration (DASS) and interim place lead - a combined role between Rochdale Borough Council and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board - for the last three years.

She started her career as a care assistant at a day centre in Staffordshire and has since held a range of roles including managing provider services, all age-commissioning, social work and special educational needs.

Nichola, who still lives in North Staffordshire, said: "I am really looking forward to joining the city council and building on the great work that has been done here and trying to make a big difference.

"For example, in terms of the latest Care Quality Commission Good rating, my ambition would be to use this foundation as a platform to push to be Outstanding.

"I want to work with partners to deliver services that improve outcomes for residents, reduce health inequalities and allow people to lead as independent lives as possible.

"And having lived in the area all my life I'm also very invested in the people, the heritage and the ambitions we have for the city."

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Nichola replaces Peter Tomlin who is taking up a similar role at Manchester City Council after more than seven years in Stoke-on-Trent.

The appointment comes after the city council's adult social care services were rated "good" in its latest Care Quality Commission inspection.

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for adult social care and all age commissioning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "We are delighted to welcome Nichola to the city council.

"Her wealth of experience and background - coupled with her passion for the area will make a real difference for the people of Stoke-on-Trent as we look to build on a solid platform for adult social care."