The head of the Equal Opportunities Commission has been appointed to run the new body which aims to improve standards or social work.

Lynne Berry will start work as Chief Executive of the General Social Care Council in September.

The GSCC is being established as part of the Government's drive to raise standards of conduct, practice and training of social workers.

It will draw up codes of practice for staff and for employers and administer the registration of the social care workforce.

In announcing Ms Berry's appointment Health Minister John Hutton said: "Her time at the Equal Opportunities Commission, together with her deep knowledge of working in the social care sector, will provide crucial experience and breadth of perspective to the work of the GSCC."

Ms Berry, a former chief executive of the Family Welfare Association and executive director of the Charity Commission, said: "This is a unique opportunity to improve the standing and quality of social care. It's a fantastic challenge."

The members of the council, which is due to begin work in October, have yet to be announced.