Strategic director of adult care and wellbeing appointed for Sheffield

Sheffield City Council has announced the permanent appointment of Matt Bowsher as strategic director of adult care and wellbeing.

Bowsher has been the interim director of adult social care for seven months and his permanent appointment comes at a time of significant transformation and service improvement in adult services, changes in how the council works with its partner organisations, and rising social care demands and challenges nationally. 

Speaking about working in Sheffield and looking ahead to the future, Bowsher said: “I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent in Sheffield so far and have been both well supported and warmly welcomed.

“Colleagues here have a strong collective will to do the best they can for the people of Sheffield and working with them is a real privilege.

“Despite the complex funding and demand challenges we face in social care, like councils across the country, we are determining our own positive future.

“There is a talented team in place, and we have a clear vision to ensure that social care is safe, sustainable, and an enabler of great lives for Sheffield residents.”

Bowsher started his career as a care worker and worked in the voluntary sector supporting people with learning disabilities.

He joined local government in 2001 as a contracts officer for Oxfordshire County Council, eventually working on regional programmes to improve adult social care in the South East and West Midlands.

After two years at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council as an assistant director, he then became chief officer and director of adult social services (DASS) until December 2024.

Kate Josephs, chief executive of Sheffield City Council, said: “I am pleased to be welcoming Matt into this role permanently and congratulate him on his appointment.

“He has served as our interim strategic director since April and brings over 25 years of experience in adult social care, spanning frontline practice, strategic leadership, and system transformation.

“He has already held senior roles and worked nationally with ADASS to shape policy and champion innovation across health and social care. 

“Matt has already demonstrated strong leadership and a clear commitment to delivering the best-possible care and support for the people of Sheffield.

“His passion for social care and dedication to collaborative improvement will be invaluable as we continue our transformation journey and respond to the challenges facing the sector nationally.”

The appointment will be effective from 15 December.