FORMER DIRECTOR APPOINTED OBE

Retired Director of Social Care, Health and Housing Bruce McLernon has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours list.

He was recognised for services to social care and local government, particularly in Carmarthenshire.
Mr McLernon described the honour as “humbling”.

He said: “It’s the fact that people think you’re worthy of it. It’s not just about me, it’s about the people I worked with — the officers, councillors, members of the public I engaged with and the various partner agencies we worked with.

“I am told it is a very pleasant experience at the palace, and myself and my wife will make the most of it because it certainly is a privilege.”
Council leader Emlyn Dole passed on his congratulations, and said it was “very well deserved for all his hard work.”

Cllr Dole added: “As the chair of the health and social care scrutiny committee for two years, I had the pleasure of working with Bruce when he was the director. He was very easy to work with, and was always willing to listen as well as educate. I am delighted that his efforts have been recognised.”

A graduate of Durham University, Mr McLernon started his career with Durham County Council and became Team Leader with Gateshead MBC Social Services Department for an Action Research Project developing personalised care support.

In 1986, he joined West Glamorgan County Council Social Services as Principal Officer (Mental Health and Learning Disabilities) before taking up the post of Assistant Director (Support Services) in 1988.
In 1996 he was appointed Assistant Director (Older People and People with a Physical Disability Services) with the City and County of Swansea.

Mr McLernon spent a further 14 years as Director of Social Care, Health and Housing in Carmarthenshire, and was responsible for creating a new directorate bringing together social services, housing and public protection.