CWDC Announces Appointment of New Chair

The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has announced it has appointed a new chair. Michael Leadbetter is to join the organisation from the beginning of April and brings a wealth of experience from across the children and young people’s sector.

He has been a director of social services in two local authorities, including Essex, for 17 years. Michael’s appointment follows interviews with the CWDC board and with children and young people. He has enjoyed a varied career working in the private and public sectors, including a role as a print manager and six months as interim managing director of Care and Health.

He has previously been President of The Association of Directors of Social Services. Michael is also Chair of Parentline Plus, and Voice, an organisation representing the interests of Looked After Children. He is currently Vice Chair of The Caldecott Foundation, a therapeutic community for children and young people.

Jane Haywood, Chief Executive of CWDC comments: “I am very pleased that Michael has been appointed as our new Chair. I know that his vast range of skills and knowledge, combined with his clear commitment to achieving better outcomes for children and young people, will really help drive forward our ambitious programme of workforce reform.

“We are all looking forward to Michael taking up his post and helping to support CWDC in ensuring that the workforce is providing the very best service for our children and young people.”

Michael Leadbetter adds: “I am of course delighted to have been selected for this post.  A long standing career passion of mine has been ensuring quality services for the public sector and making sure that services are the best possible for the children who use them. I am also committed to ensuring that staff receive the support and development that they need.

“CWDC has achieved an admirable amount in a short period of time and I look forward to working closely with the team here to achieve creative and focused outcomes. I am eagerly looking forward to taking up the role and becoming very involved in CWDC’s programme of work.”