New Director of Children’s Services and Deputy Chief Executive

Cheshire East Council is set to appoint Kath O’Dwyer as its new Director of Children’s Services and Deputy Chief Executive.

Kath is currently National Director, Social Care at Ofsted and previously headed up children’s services at Warrington Borough Council.

The Council’s staffing committee has unanimously recommended the appointment and it has the support of political group leaders, who have already consulted their members about it. Full council will be asked for its formal endorsement in a vote on July 23.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Kath has an exceptional track record both at Ofsted and in local authorities.

“She improves performance while giving her colleagues real confidence in the quality of the services they provide.

“Kath believes in putting the child at the centre of everything the service does and her appointment is a testament to our determination to make Cheshire East the very best place to grow up.

“We aim to do the very best for our children by tackling the root causes of problems rather than just the symptoms.”

Mike Suarez, Chief Executive, said: “The Director of Children’s Services is a critical role within the Council.

“I am looking forward to working with Kath to transform our children’s services in line with the ambitious, innovation-led programme that the Council has set out.

“I am very pleased that she will be supporting me in a wider corporate role with her national experience.”

Kath, who has 32 years’ experience in the strategic leadership, operational management and delivery of services to vulnerable residents, said: “I am passionate about ensuring the best possible outcomes for children.

“Cheshire East and its partner organisations share that passion and I am very excited about the opportunity to lead their plans within the context of wider public sector transformation in children’s services.”

Council Leader, Councillor Michael Jones, said: “This is further proof of Cheshire East Council’s excellence and flexibility. I say thanks to all my colleagues and I fully endorse this outstanding candidate.”