Surrey County Council appoints new Executive Director of Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships

Surrey County Council has appointed Claire Edgar as its new Executive Director for Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships (AWHP).

Claire, currently Southampton City Council’s Executive Director of Community Wellbeing, was chosen following a robust recruitment process and will join the council later this year.

Claire, a qualified social worker, brings with her more than 20 years’ experience across local government and social care, and as part of her portfolio will take up a statutory responsibility for Adult Social Care.

Surrey County Council Interim Chief Executive Michael Coughlin said: “Claire is an outstanding appointment who I know will provide the necessary leadership, focus and commitment for this crucial role.

“Supporting our vulnerable residents is the bedrock of what we do, and Claire joining us is further testament to that.

“I know how passionate she is about providing quality services to those who need them most, and I look forward to seeing her impact here in Surrey.”

Leader of Surrey County Council Tim Oliver said: “It’s fantastic news that Claire is joining us.

“Claire has a proven track record of looking after the most vulnerable people in society and her appointment aligns perfectly with our guiding principle to ensure no one in Surrey is left behind.

“Claire brings with her considerable experience and expertise, and I know she will be a tremendous asset both to our AWHP directorate and to the council as a whole.”

Claire Edgar said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the role. Having spent nearly all my career in adult services, I am passionate about delivering quality services to the most vulnerable people in our communities, as well as giving back to disadvantaged and hard to reach groups.

“In my role as Chair of the National Adult Safeguarding Network I will also continue to use my national profile in supporting sector leader improvement across local government.”

Claire previously worked at Sheffield City Council, and more recently at Wiltshire Council as Director, Whole Life Pathway (DASS) before moving to Southampton City Council in 2023.