Steve Appleton is the Managing Director of Contact Consulting and has 25 years experience in health and social care. He originally trained as a social worker and worked with adults with learning disability, older people and subsequently specialised in mental health services. His broader experience is comprised of operational, strategic and development roles in local authorities and the NHS. Steve has built up particular expertise in the development of effective commissioning in mental health, having been part of the National Mental Health Development Unit commissioning programme. As part of his work he produced guides for commissioners on mental health commissioning, housing and QIPP. He has recently led the development of national commissioning guidance for addictions services with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health and is now working on a similar guide for older people’s mental health services. Steve also has experience in the commissioning and delivery of inquiries into serious untoward incidents involving multi-agency co-ordination, and independent investigations. This has included supporting NHS Trusts with a number of critical incident reviews, as well as chairing a Serious Case Review and a Domestic Homicide Review.