Housing and care provider Blackwood has announced the appointment of Simon Fitzpatrick as its first ever Strategic Development Director.

The newly-developed role will see Mr Fitzpatrick, who has 15 years of experience in asset management across Scotland, responsible for the delivery of Blackwood’s ground breaking Concept House as well as its digital care innovations and asset portfolio.

Mr Fitzpatrick returns to Blackwood, where he previously worked as a Property Investment Manager, after two years with CrossReach, a provider of social care for vulnerable people in Scotland.

He is now set to take a lead in driving forward Blackwood’s plans to introduce greater innovation; developing the new wave of digital care to improve the lives of service users and assisting commissioning partners in driving efficiencies in the integration of social care.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “I’m thrilled to step up and take on this exciting new role. After accumulating over 15 years of asset management experience, I feel I have a sound knowledge of how to develop Blackwood’s exciting objectives for the future.

“It’s definitely an inspiring time to be a part of the organisation as it gears up to revolutionise the housing and care sector with its impressive reputation of service quality and new technological innovations.”

Fanchea Kelly, chief executive at Blackwood, added: “We are delighted to bring the new role of Strategic Development Director to Blackwood as it will enable us to continue to grow as industry innovators.

“Simon will be an important part of the Blackwood team and will contribute significantly as we continue to develop the organisation and build our reputation of delivering high quality services and supporting our customers to live full and independent lives.

“We know that the strong mix of experience in our team – as exampled by Simon – plays a leading role in setting us apart in the sector. I am very much looking forward to working alongside Simon again as Blackwood goes from strength to strength.”