New trustee brings decades of experience in social care leadership to Westbank Community Health and Care
The Devon-wide health and wellbeing charity, Westbank Community Health and Care, is delighted to welcome Ian Hobbs, a former social worker and social care professional, to its Board of Trustees.
After 42 years working in a range of roles within Devon County Council, Ian is bringing his considerable skills and leadership experience to the third sector. As a Trustee, he is looking forward to helping the team at Westbank to deliver its ambitious programme of interrelated services and to make the changes that will be needed to adapt to the future.
Supporting unpaid carers was one of the main areas of Ian’s work during his twelve years in an adult social care leadership role, and he is particularly keen to use his wealth of experience to support Westbank’s Devon Carers team.
Ian, who lives in Tiverton, says, “As a social worker and, later in my career, as a leader in social care, I have always been inspired by the work of third sector organisations. Whilst the state has a vital role to play in supporting people who are vulnerable, it is the love of family and the support of friends and neighbours that most enriches our lives. Organisations like Westbank are crucial in supporting and extending those informal networks.
“Working in social care has never just been a job for me; it has been a lifestyle choice. In my early career, my focus was mainly on supporting children and families, involving hard choices where children needed to be protected. Some of my proudest moments have been in supporting families to stay together or providing children with stability by finding long term homes for them. Later I worked with organisations across the public, private and third sectors to find ways to innovate, to develop community support and, where necessary, to provide the best possible services for vulnerable people of all ages.’
He adds, “Throughout my career, it has been clear to me that third sector organisations like Westbank provide a wonderful bridge between individuals, families, communities and the public sector. I have always tried to keep the experience of the individual and their family at the heart of my thinking. For me, it is deeply personal. Social care and community support is about adding to what friends and family can do, to help people to live dignified and fulfilled lives, in the way they choose, and I am delighted that I can continue to make a contribution through the Westbank Board.”
Sarah Hicks, CEO of Exminster-based Westbank Community Health and Care, says, “Westbank is very lucky to have Ian on board. His skillset and life experience, combined with his personal outlook on what’s most important in life, are perfectly suited to his new role as one of our valued Trustees. I very much look forward to working with Ian over the coming years, and I know the rest of our Board does too.”
Since retiring last year, Ian has pursued his love of travel and adventure, completing the Camino Frances (a 620-mile walk from the French Pyrenees across northern Spain), hiking the mountains of Iceland along the Laugavegur Trail and also the Fisherman’s Trail along the Portuguese coast. He’s already planning his next big trip, walking the ancient Shikoku Island pilgrimage route in Japan.
Retirement has also given Ian scope for all manner of new interests, including painting and learning the guitar, as well as time to devote to his love of books, writing and water sports.
