A new director has been appointed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to drive forward the transformation of city’s Children and Families service.
Neil Macdonald has taken the role of Corporate Director for Children and Families and will join from Coventry City Council, where he has previously served as Interim Director of Children’s Services.
During his time at there, he has played a key role in improving the Coventry Children’s Services from an ‘Inadequate’ to ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted and their Youth Justice Service being rated ‘Outstanding’.
In Stoke-on-Trent, he will lead the city council’s Children and Families directorate – which includes education, children’s safeguarding and early help, and children in care.
Neil, a qualified social worker, will build on a new strategic approach – focusing on early intervention, prevention and partnership work – which has begun to reduce the number of children in care in Stoke-on-Trent from historically high levels, ensuring more children can remain safely at home with their families.
He said: “I am delighted to be joining Stoke-on-Trent at this critical time.
“The city faces long-standing and well-publicised challenges, but positive change is already happening thanks to a clear strategic approach and partnership working.
“I look forward to building on this and working with families in Stoke-on-Trent to achieve the best possible outcomes for them and the children of this great city.”
Simon White, the Interim Corporate Director of Children and Families, has been spearheading recent work in the directorate.
Councillor Sarah Hill, the city council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We had a strong field of candidates apply for the role – people who want to be part of supporting family life in the city.
“We’re really pleased that Neil will be joining us. Work on our improvement journey within Children and Families has really stepped up a gear and with Neil’s proven track record he is well equipped to help continue the progress we have already made.
“I’d also like to thank Simon White, who is leading the transformation of our children’s services. He will leave the directorate in a fantastic position for Neil to work from.”
