Annabel Lloyd has been appointed to the role of Director of Service Support and Improvement at Social Care Wales.
Annabel will take up the role in March 2027, replacing Lisa Trigg who’s retiring in March.
Annabel joins us from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council where she’s currently the Director of Children’s Services, responsible for services supporting children, young people and families.
During her career, Annabel has worked in social care roles across Wales spanning frontline practice, operational management and strategic leadership, and she’s a former Chair of the All Wales Heads of Children’s Services.
Passionate about putting people at the heart of the care and support they receive, Annabel’s work has spanned prevention and early intervention, safeguarding, workforce development, service transformation and commissioning.
Sarah McCarty, our Chief Executive, said: “Following a competitive recruitment process, I’m delighted Annabel will be joining us next year replacing Lisa Trigg, who’s retiring after nine years at Social Care Wales, during which time she has made an outstanding contribution to our work.
“Annabel brings a wealth of strategic and operational experience in social care, and she impressed the interview panel with her clear vision, values-led leadership and strong commitment to improving outcomes for people using social care in Wales.
“In her role as Director of Children's Services and as a former Chair of the All Wales Heads of Children's Services, Annabel has shown her leadership at Rhondda Cynon Taf and across Wales.
“Her passion for supporting children, young people and families, alongside her commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement, will be a tremendous asset to us.
“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming Annabel to the team and working with partners across Wales to help shape and support the future of social care.”
Annabel said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Social Care Wales and feel privileged to have this opportunity.
“For me, this role is about bringing together people, experience, evidence and new ideas to make a practical difference for the workforce and, most importantly, for the people who rely on social care.
“Social care has been at the heart of my working life and it’s been a huge honour to work alongside so many truly great people at Rhondda Cynon Taf. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the difference skilled, valued and well-supported people make to individuals, families and communities.
“While I’ll really miss the people I’ve worked with at Rhondda Cynon Taf, I’m looking forward to getting to know my new colleagues and partners across Wales, and to learn from each other as we work together to build on the excellent work already under way.”