Havering Council has appointed a new head of social care and learning.

Joy Hollister, who will take up the role of group director in the New Year, will lead social services for adults and children, as well as education services.

She has previously spent three years at the Corporation of London as director of community and children’s services.

Cheryl Coppell, chief executive of Havering Council, said: “As our budgets come under more pressure, we’re making changes to the way we deliver social services and support to schools. Joy’s leadership will be crucial to making those changes, while protecting services to the people who rely on our support.”

Joy said: “Havering has London’s oldest population, which puts the borough right at the heart of the debate about the future of social care.

“The council is also re-thinking the way it supports children and families in need, and has seen most of its secondary schools become academies in recent years.

“So there’s lots happening in Havering and I’m really looking forward to taking on the challenge and doing the best I can for local people.”