The DHSS' new Assistant Director of Social Services is settling into his role.
Gary McManus commenced work on the Island on Monday 1st of February, as the New Assistant Director of Social Services (Children and Families), having recently relocated from East Yorkshire.
He has spent 18 years in various roles within a Local Authority context, the most recent as Assistant Head of Service for Children and Young People’s Services in Hull, where he specialised in Young People Support Services and had a wide portfolio of services including: Leaving Care Team, Supported Lodgings, Young People’s Housing Hub, Counselling, Economic Wellbeing and many more.
Gary said, "I have had an ‘organic’ career journey, starting out as a member of a local Youth Centre, and eventually becoming the City’s Principal Youth Officer, before taking on more strategic and cross cutting roles across the UK, in local government.
"A brief spell with North East Lincolnshire County Council establishing intensive support services and multi agency support teams broadened my professional base.
"My biggest professional achievement was being part of the Transformation Board that resulted in Hull City Council going from a 1 star to a 3 star local authority."
Andrew Swithinbank, Director of Social Services, said of Gary’s appointment, "I am delighted to welcome Gary to the Isle of Man and to our leadership team in Social Services.
"He is going to be a great asset with his extensive range of experience in developing support for children, young people and their families.
"Gary has swiftly gained an appreciation of the issues we face, the professionalism of our children and families services, the partnership approach we are fostering and relishes the challenge."
