James Bullion – photo supplied

James Bullion has been appointed as Norfolk’s Executive Director of Adult Social Services, charged with developing and transforming the services in a department responsible for spending almost £1m a day to improve the lives of vulnerable adults in the county.

Mr Bullion, 51, currently Director of Adult Operations at Essex County Council, steps into the vacancy left by the tragic death of his former mentor, Harold Bodmer, in July this year.

He joined ECC in September 2013 as a Director for Commissioning, becoming Director of Adult Operations in February 2015. During that time he has overseen some major developments in the fast moving world of adult social care, including the implementation of the Care Act and a new case management system, at the same time as leading Adult Operations through a major restructure to reconnect frontline teams with the communities they serve.

Under his leadership Essex has forged stronger links with the health service, including the introduction of “Good Lives” in adult social care – an approach which is receiving national recognition as an innovative response to the challenges facing the sector, by creating a new relationship between professionals and people who need support

Mr Bullion said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Essex County Council and the decision to leave was an extremely difficult one. I am very proud of the hard work and dedication staff show on a day-to-day basis to ensure Essex residents have the best possible quality of life.

“That said, this is a great move for me and I look forward to joining Norfolk and working to promote independence, and achieve integration and financial stability for care services. Following Harold Bodmer is always going to be tough, but I know I will be building on the
good relationships he and interim director Catherine Underwood have developed to make great services possible.”

“James participated in an intensive assessment and selection process. Everyone was impressed with the positive leadership, innovative ideas and solid experience which James brings to this important role in Norfolk. I am looking forward to having James join our team.” said Wendy Thomson, Norfolk County Council’s Managing Director.

“I am very glad that James is joining Norfolk County Council. Adult Social Care is a critical area and I am very pleased that we have somebody of his stature and ability to join our excellent team. I look forward to working with him,” said Bill Borrett, chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Adult Social Services Committee.

Mr Bullion – who is married with three children and lists music and poetry as key interests – is also currently the national Director lead for Social Care and Justice for the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the regional ADASS lead for workforce leadership development.