South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) has appointed Councillor Margaret Walker as its new Chair.
Councillor Walker, who currently serves as Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Social Work Resources Committee, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service. Her appointment follows the conclusion of Lesley McDonald’s three-year term as Chair, during which the IJB navigated a period of significant change and innovation in health and social care.
Councillor Walker said: “It’s an honour to take on the role of Chair of the South Lanarkshire IJB at such a pivotal time for health and social care services.
“I would like to thank Lesley McDonald for her thoughtful and effective leadership over the past three years, which has helped guide the IJB through key developments and strengthened our foundations for the future.
“I look forward to working closely with our partners in NHS Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire Council and the wider community to ensure continued progress in delivering responsive, person-centred services. The efforts of our dedicated staff, and the diverse voices of those lived and living experience, will be key as we strive to improve health and wellbeing across South Lanarkshire.”
The rotation of the Chair position every three years reflects the shared leadership approach between South Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire. Lesley McDonald now assumes the role of Vice Chair.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We warmly welcome Councillor Walker to the role of Chair. Her strong passion for tackling inequalities and championing the needs of our communities is a real boon given South Lanarkshire having recently become one of Scotland’s three Marmot Places.
“As we look ahead to a new phase of strategic delivery, Councillor Walker’s leadership will help drive our ambitions for continuous improvement and innovation.
“My heartfelt thanks also to Lesley McDonald for her outstanding contribution over the past three years. Her stewardship has been marked by clarity, compassion and collaboration and we are fortunate that she will continue to serve on the IJB.”
