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06/11/03 - Interim Director appointed to spearhead Social Services Improvement Programme

Today, Cumbria County Council announce the appointment of an Interim Corporate Director for Social Services who will spearhead an intensive improvement programme for Social Services.  Following a Chief Officer’s Appointment Panel on 24 October 2003 Ken Young was appointed to the post to manage the service for 12 – 24 months.   

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says,   

“Ken Young will start work as Interim Director on 17 November.  He has extensive experience of working in the public and private sectors.  He was previously Director of Social Services for East Sussex County and the City of Plymouth Council.  He was also the Chief Executive of SCOPE, the disability organisation for people with cerebral palsy.  I am delighted that we can benefit from his experience and skills.”

Louis Victory, Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council says that the remit of the new interim Director is to:

  • fully manage the totality of Children’s and Adult Social Services for the next 1-2 years
  •  work with the new Head of Children’s Services on the major improvement programme underway in Child and Family Services
  • assist with designing the change process suggested in ‘Every Child Matters’, dependant on further Government guidance and Member decisions
  • help manage any transition activities and appropriate new structures
  • possibly be involved with advising on any ultimate appointment processes to new structures.

He adds,

“The current Government agenda to bring together Education and Children’s Social Services makes it essential that we take a flexible interim approach to this appointment.  I believe that we have found someone committed to this new direction and capable with Councillors and our Corporate Director of Education, of helping with a constructive modernisation programme.” 

Commenting on his appointment, Ken Young says,

“I look forward to joining the Management Team of Cumbria County Council’s Social Services and represent them in the Council’s Corporate Planning forums.  Whilst there will be difficult decisions ahead it is vitally important that we continue to provide a good quality comprehensive range of services to the citizens of Cumbria.

Caring for `vulnerable’ adults and children `in need’ is a key priority in this venture.  Valuing and supporting staff will be a priority in achieving our objectives”

Ken Young takes over from Acting Corporate Director of Social Services, Jean Bradshaw who is retiring after more than 27 years service.  Jean stood in as Acting Director five months ago on a short-term basis whilst the recruitment process for a longer-term appointment was under consideration.  Jean spent the past four years as Head of Strategic Development and Quality Control.   Speaking about Jean Bradshaw, County Councillor John Mallinson says, 

“Before this Jean was doing invaluable work as Head of Strategic Development and Quality Control.  She has made a tremendous contribution to the work of the Council and I consider her to have been very committed to the delivery and improvement of front line services for the people of Cumbria.  She will be greatly missed by Officers and Councillors alike.”