New director of housing services appointed

Southwark received a high number of applications for the role and the successful candidate will take up her post in January 2011. The position was created by the new council administration which has made housing its top priority and has pledged to create a new housing department, including the post of director of housing services.

Cllr Peter John, Leader of the Council, said: "We had a great field of talented and experienced candidates for this position. We were delighted to offer Gerri the role as councillors were impressed with her commitment to improving services to tenants and leaseholders and with her energy to work with staff to make a difference.

"I am also pleased that this administration is again delivering on its pledges that we made in May to create a new housing department, that focuses on sorting out the basic services. We are an administration that keeps its promises."

Gerri Scott, director of housing services, said: "I am really looking forward to joining Southwark and hope to contribute to the council's journey of improving services for local people. I can't wait to meet both residents and staff."

Chief executive Annie Shepperd said, "Southwark looks forward to Gerri's arrival and I'm sure she will have a warm welcome from residents, staff and councillors."

Background on Gerri Scott

Gerri is currently executive director of housing and customer services for Moat, a leading housing association working in the south east.

Prior to taking up that role in 2008, she was assistant director of community development and regeneration for the London Borough of Camden, and prior to that she was responsible for the housing management service for 33,000 homes in Camden.

In that role, she led a team to secure a three star excellent service rating in an Audit Commission inspection.