Introduction to Stoke-on-Trent City Council from Chief Executive, Jon Rouse
Stoke-on-Trent is on an ambitious improvement journey, including our Adult Care Services, reflected in our ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in June 2025.
Adult social care and all age commissioning is a clear citywide priority, supported by a collaborative, open culture and a committed workforce focused on delivering the best outcomes for local people.
We have strong, accountable leadership and a transformation programme already delivering real improvements in performance, early intervention, commissioning and community-based practice. Our approach is strengths-based, preventative and rooted in local communities, with positive partnerships across health and a strong track record of innovation. We know ourselves well, are using data intelligently to drive change, and are committed to improving timeliness, strengthening inclusion, shaping the care market and embedding high-quality commissioning.
As we enter the next phase of transformation, we are seeking a Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning and a Director of Adult Social Care who can build on our momentum, shape our strategic direction, and help us continue to make Stoke-on-Trent a great place to live, work and age well.
-Jon Rouse, Chief Executive
Who are we looking for?
We seeking strong leaders with drive, creativity, and the ability to face challenges head-on. You will support transformational improvements in our city, motivate teams with clear direction, and equip them to excel.
Collaboration is essential; as part of our senior leadership team, you’ll work closely with Members and colleagues to design and deliver effective, well-governed services aligned with the council’s budget strategy.
>We're dedicated to making Stoke-on-Trent a safe, supportive, and proud community. If you want to help lead an ambitious local authority focused on residents, we encourage you to apply.
Our values
Our values and behaviours define us. Our values represent what the city council stands for, and our behaviours translate that into day-to-day actions. They aren't just a set of words which are kept in the top drawer; our values are important to everyone working here at the city council. They are something that we should all try to live by.
Our values shape how we interact with our colleagues, our local communities, and our partners. They represent what we believe in and who we aspire to be. They provide a powerful articulation of our core beliefs, and through the application of these beliefs we can build a better future. Our values are at the heart of our vision - and our success in delivering this will be dependent upon everyone playing their part. Our values are:
- We will use our powers and resources, combined with the expertise of our dedicated workforce, to benefit the communities which we serve, enabling residents to shape more decisions about their lives and local environments.
- We will be clear about the challenges that the council is facing, how we are going to address them and whether we are making progress. We will always be open to new and better ideas.
- We care about the lives of our residents. We will provide help and support without judgement and will actively seek the views of our citizens to improve the services we deliver.
- We will be dedicated and supportive partners to all those who want to make our city a better place, forging strong relationships which span sectors and geographies.
- We will take ownership of our commitments and responsibilities, be honest about where we can do better and demonstrate the utmost responsibility for the efficient use of public resources and assets.
- We will champion our city and our citizens at every opportunity, talking up its many strengths and nurturing civic pride. We will promote our city’s culture, heritage and future potential to wider audiences without downplaying the significance of local challenges.
Our strategy
In our strategic plan - Our City, Our Wellbeing - we set out our strategic vision and priorities for Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the wider city. It is as much a corporate plan for the council’s directorates and teams as it is a strategic blueprint for improving Stoke-on-Trent by creating shared wealth and reducing inequality.
To achieve our vision, the strategy proposes to organise our plans against seven themes, each of which will contribute to improved community wellbeing:
- Healthier - Creating a healthier standard of living for all our citizens
- Wealthier - Reducing hardship and enabling greater shared prosperity
- Safer - Building empowered communities, safe from the threat of harm
- Greener- Conserving our environment and living more sustainably
- Cleaner - Working together to clean up our city and our communities
- Fairer- Tackling inequality and improving life chances for everyone
- Skilled – Providing opportunities for people to improve their skills and education
You can find a full copy of the strategy here
Our leadership
