Mr Wilds will hold the post for up to two years

Cumbria social services has been criticised as "weak" by government inspectors.

In December 2003 the Audit Commission highlighted poor management and problems in social services which were failing vulnerable children in the county.

Now the department has a new director in Stephen Wilds, who will stay in the job for up to two years.

He has been tasked with bringing in improvements recommended in the Audit Commission study.

He admitted that the post would be a challenging one.

He said: "Recently publicised inspectors' comments and the reduced performance rating for social services means that there are a number of challenges ahead.

'Higher standards'

"These need to ensure that Cumbria County Council's social services continue to provide a good quality comprehensive range of services to the citizens of Cumbria and radically improve the recently criticised services to children and families.

"I believe that working closely with Paul Moore, the new head of child and family services and our committed social services staff, along with councillors and other colleagues, we can ensure higher standards and quality social care services in Cumbria.

County councillor John Mallinson, cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says, added: "Stephen Wilds has extensive experience of working as a social services director in a number of local councils.

"We believe he has the commitment, and experience to lead Cumbria social services to a brighter future with improved services and a higher level of achievement."

Mr Wilds worked most recently as director of social care and health at Northamptonshire County Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

He took over at Sefton Council in 1997 after a joint review led to special measures for the council, but Mr Wild successfully led Sefton out of special measures.

The county's former director of social services, Mike Siegal, is now the authority's deputy chief executive and is on sick leave.

Mr Wilds will take up his post on 2 February.