Council appoints new director of children's services

Bernie Brown said she was looking forward to working with the team

A county council has appointed a new director of children's services amid efforts to improve its provision.

Staffordshire County Council was told in January that although some areas of services for vulnerable children, their families and care leavers had improved, overall it "required improvement" to be good.

Bernie Brown is joining the authority in the summer from a similar role at Bolton Council.

“Bernie has a proven track record with over 30 years’ experience in the sector," said council chief executive Pat Flaherty.

He added: “I am confident that in Bernie, we have found someone who will provide strong leadership and direction for Children and Families and will quickly prove an asset to this council.”

Mark Sutton, cabinet member for children and young people, said the county was "committed to doing everything we can to ensure our children are safe, happy and can flourish".

“Continuing to improve our services is an absolute priority for this council and the appointment of Bernie will undoubtedly strengthen these efforts.”

Mr Sutton also thanked Neelam Bhardwaja, who is leaving the post, for her hard work and dedication.

The authority added it looked forward to "building on what has been achieved".

Ms Brown, whose background includes assistant director roles as well as work in Shropshire, Oxfordshire and New Zealand, said she was delighted to be appointed.

She added she was "really looking forward to leading a team which puts Staffordshire children, young people and families firmly at the centre of how services are delivered".

Staffordshire County Council supports more than 5,000 children, including about 1,340 who are in care.