Office of Social Services
Welcome to the Web Pages of the Office of Social Services (OSS).
As Acting Chief Social Services Officer of Social Services (CSSO), Sean
Holland leads a team which supports Ministers, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public
Safety (DHSSPS), other Government Departments and agencies working in the field of social care.
The
OSS work with others to ensure that social work and social care services are responsive to the needs
of the population in Northern Ireland and are of the highest standards in keeping with the resources
available.
Accountability
As
well as responsiblity
for the OSS, the CSSO carries lead executive
responsibility for family policy, child care policy, social services training policy and standards and
the discharge of social services statutory functions. He accounts directly for these responsibilities
to Ministers (including the Children's Minister) and the DHSSPS Departmental Board.
Additionally,
the CSSO has responsibility to advise the Criminal Justice Directorate of the Northern Ireland Office
(NIO) with regard to social care policy and other Government Departments as and when required.
