New role for DHSS

The newly created role of Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at the Department of Health and Social Security will be filled by Lesley Keenan.

Mrs Keenan, who is the Chair of the Island branch of the Chartered Institute for Personnel Development, has been the department's Director of Human Resources Management since early 2003.

Among other responsibilities, Mrs Keenan will take day-to-day accountability for driving and co-ordinating the performance of the DHSS's operational services outcomes, with particular focus on value for money.

She will take up her new post on January 1.