Contact: Peter Robertson, 7300, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision(s) are sought:

(a) The arrangements for the Departmental Management Team structure for the new Children Services Department as set out in Appendix A to this report, be approved for implementation.


(b) The arrangements relating to the existing staff affected by the recommendations, as detailed in this report, be agreed and arrangements for recruitment be put in hand immediately.


(c) The timescales for determining the rest of the structure for Children Services (which are intended to ensure that the new Director has the opportunity to fully contribute) and the emerging issues are noted.

2. Reason

2.1 To implement the provision in the Children Act 2004 and ensure optimum leadership and management arrangements are in place to deliver the `Every Child Matters' agenda, in accordance with key corporate strategy aims for delivering efficient and effective services.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 A range of structured options were considered but rejected on the grounds that strategic leadership of Children Services should be clear and unambiguous. Other options (i.e. more posts at DMT level) were considered to dilute accountability and confuse responsibility in a way which would compromise effectiveness.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - none.

6. Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE