Julie Odams has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO).

Julie has been the Head of Policy and Communications and a member of the LGSCO’s Executive Team for the last two years. She will replace current CEO, Nigel Ellis, following his decision to retire from May 2025.

Julie’s appointment comes after an open recruitment campaign, and an interview panel including the Ombudsman’s Board and sponsor department: the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The role covers both the Chief Executive Officer and the Accounting Officer and begins in early summer.

Julie Odams said:

“It’s an enormous privilege to lead the organisation at a time of such change, and great potential, in local government and social care. There is a real opportunity for us to enhance our role in supporting improvement in the services we oversee, and to assist the growing number of people who come to the Ombudsman for help. I am hugely excited to have increased responsibility for the great work we do at a pivotal time for the organisation and public services.”

Ms Amerdeep Somal, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said:

“Julie has been instrumental in increasing our stature as a trusted voice on the state of local government and social care services. I am delighted she will continue this work and more, as she takes on leading the overall operation of the organisation.”

Julie Odams joined the LGSCO in 2023, having previously served as Assistant Director of Communications & Customers at Derbyshire County Council. She has held a number of roles in local government, specialising in communication, stakeholder engagement and customer service and has also led communications and engagement in universities in the North West and Midlands.

Article date: 05 March 2025