A council director has been given a Commander of the British Empire award in the Queen's New Year's Honours List for services to the protection and support of vulnerable adults.

Ray James, 52, the director of health, housing and adult social care, started work at Enfield Council 26-years-ago as a service manager.

At one time national president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, Mr James is soon to begin a two-year secondment to NHS England as national learning disability director.

He said: “I am deeply honoured to receive such recognition and want to thank both colleagues and councillors at Enfield Council for their support over many years.

“Enfield rightly has a growing reputation built on the dedication and commitment of so many talented frontline care and support staff, meaningful partnership with other public services and most of all the insight and wisdom of the local people we serve, and their families and carers.

“Serving as the President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services was a real privilege and I believe this honour is in no small part a recognition of the exceptional work members of the Association give so generously of their time to support.

“As I embark on a two-year secondment to be National Learning Disability Director for NHS England, I will bring so much learning from my time with Enfield Council and the Association.

“I don’t have words to express how much thanks I owe my family, it has been wonderful to share this news with them.”

Mr James has worked on programmes at a national and local level so that disabled adults can continue to live independently and be active in their communities.

Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Everyone associated with Enfield Council is thrilled and honoured that Ray’s enormous contribution to adult social care has been recognized in this way.

“He is an inspirational leader and a visionary in his field and has played an enormous role in helping Enfield Council to deliver high quality services to some of the most vulnerable people in the United Kingdom.

"His award is a testament to his dedication and excellence and is thoroughly deserved."