Ref. 25597-38SWINDON Social Services' new chief Keith Skerman says he is prepared to stand up and be counted and judged by results as he attempts to change the flagging fortunes of the department.

Starting his first full week at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street, he says he does not underestimate the task ahead.

A damning Audit Commission and Social Services Inspectorate report last year gave the department a zero star rating and criticised its culture of fear, arrogance and complacency.

The department was placed in special measures and forced to report to a Government inspector and its head Marie Seaton resigned.

But none of that should frighten a man who was part of a team that successfully led Hilling-don Council's Social Services department out of a similar pred- icament and special measures in 2001.

Mr Skerman, 50, who lives in Maidenhead with his partner, said: "Judge me on results. I've said before that actions speak louder than words and I'm prepared for people to come back next year and ask me exactly what the department has achieved.

"I look forward to the next round of Government inspections because I've always said they're nothing but helpful. The interim management team has done a good job in not letting the department slip backwards, but now we've really got to step up a gear and ensure that there's no complacency. But I don't want the people of Swindon to think social services is a complete disaster even though there is a huge agenda to work to. Staff are much more prepared to accept criticism than they were a couple of years ago.

"The harsh messages that came out of the joint review have been heard, but we've got to translate that into action, but we will have to wait and see what we can deliver. Some of the things we need to correct will take a long time to put right, like investment in care homes if it is decided that's what we need to do. And some of the decisions already taken by the council will take time too, like the building of two new children's homes, which will be in service next year and the year after."

One of the first improvements will be the replacement of the department's dated computer system. Staff currently work on 24 different systems, but the new technology the first phase of which will cost more than £200,000 will streamline the department.

Inspectors next examine Swindon's adult services in November and scrutinise the children's service next Spring, which is the earliest the department can realistically come out of special measures.