East Surrey Council has appointed Claire Edgar as its Executive Director Adults, Housing and Wellbeing, including the statutory role of Director of Adult Social Services (DASS).
Claire, who is currently Executive Director of Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships at Surrey County Council, is the first appointment to East Surrey Council’s director team ahead of the new council’s launch on 1 April 2027.
Claire’s appointment follows a robust recruitment process and, in her new role, she will report directly to Chief Executive Adam Chalmers.
Since joining the county council two years ago, Claire has led service transformation to improve the way that residents access support, enabling more people to stay independent and connected to their communities. She has also helped drive the development of specialist housing, including extra care housing for older residents and supported independent living for people with learning disabilities or autism. Alongside this, Claire has provided strategic leadership for the council’s public health and communities services, championing prevention and reducing inequalities.
Claire has previously held senior leadership roles at Sheffield City Council, Wiltshire Council, where she served as Director of Whole Life Pathway (DASS), and Southampton City Council, where she was Executive Director for Wellbeing and Housing (DASS) and acted as Head of Paid Service.
With more than 20 years' experience across local government, largely in adult social care and housing, Claire is known for her strong leadership and commitment to working collaboratively across organisations to improve services for residents and diverse communities.
Adam Chalmers said:
“Claire will be a tremendous asset to East Surrey Council, and as Executive Director of Adults, Housing and Wellbeing, is perfectly placed to lead innovation and transformation across these vital services, to make a real difference to the lives of residents.
“I look forward to working with Claire and to welcoming further members of the leadership team in the coming months."
Steve Wotton, Leader of East Surrey Council, said:
"Claire brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leading adult social care and housing services, with a clear focus on improving outcomes for residents.
“This is a pivotal role for the new council, bringing together services that support people’s wellbeing, independence and quality of life. I’m delighted that Claire will be joining us as we build a new council that is ambitious for East Surrey, delivers excellent services and helps our communities thrive."
Claire Edgar said:
“I’m really looking forward to helping shape East Surrey Council from the very beginning, working with colleagues and partners to make the most of the opportunities a new council can bring.
“By bringing housing, wellbeing and adult social care together, we can look at new ways to better connect services around residents’ needs. In the meantime, my priority will be making sure the transition to the new unitary councils is as smooth as possible for all the residents and communities we serve across the county."
As well as serving as the DASS, Claire will provide strategic leadership for public health and housing. Claire's appointment was recommended by the Senior Officer Employment Sub-Committee and subsequently confirmed through East Surrey Council's Executive Notification Procedure. She will formally begin her new role on 1 April 2027.
Recruitment is underway for the Executive Director Adult Social Care and Health for West Surrey, and other senior leadership roles in both the East and West Surrey councils.
For more information about Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey, please visit the Future Surrey LGR website.
