Reflections from a principal social worker and a principal occupational therapist on working together to lead practice in adult social care

Alex Laidler is an occupational therapist with over 30 years’ experience in health and social care in practitioner, operational management and strategic leadership roles. She has led teams and services comprising a wide range of professionals and is committed to ensuring practitioners maintain a strong professional identity while promoting interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary practice. She joined Essex County Council in 2015 as director of adult social care and after two periods of maternity leave took up the position of principal occupational therapist when the role was first created in 2019.

Dr Tanya Moore has worked in social work and social care for more than 30 years as a practitioner, educator and practice leader. She has published research and articles and edited two recent books: Principles of Practice by Principal Social Workers and The Anti-Racist Social Worker. Formerly research lead and programme lead for the social work/social care doctorate programme at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, she was also principal social worker at Hertfordshire County Council and senior lecturer and programme lead at the University of Hertfordshire. She joined Essex County Council in April 2023. She is committed to thoughtful, relational practice and is determined to see practice front and centre of leadership and decision-making in adult social care.