Three more top managers quit troubled kids’ department

Three senior managers of a troubled children’s services department have left. But Salford council insists their departure has not been forced.

They are the latest in a spate of bosses to quit the town hall.

In January Jill Baker – Salford’s director of children’s service’s – lost an appeal against her sacking.

She was dismissed in December for gross misconduct after a four-day disciplinary hearing but has vowed to clear her name by taking the council to an employment tribunal.

Her dismissal followed a damning report into the death of toddler, Demi Leigh Mahon.

Demi was murdered by 15-year-old babysitter Karl McCluney. But social services had been warned at least 12 times by police, neighbours, and the child’s grandmother about the chaotic nature of her domestic life – brought up by a mum who used drugs and could not cope.

A Serious Case Review into the tragedy said ‘opportunities were missed by Children’s Services to undertake child protection enquiries’.

Suspended

Mrs Baker was suspended after she told the media that no one would be disciplined after Demi’s death.

In 2007 the council’s support for vulnerable children still living in the community was deemed to be ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors.

Now Paul Greenway, assistant director strategy and commissioning for children’s services, and Andy Hampson, head of strategy and accountability for the Safeguarding Children Board, have both retired.

Linda Clegg, assistant director safeguarding, has moved to a job with Blackburn council.

A senior town hall source said: “There is nothing forced about their departure. Paul and Andy are retiring and Linda was head-hunted.”

Acting strategic director of children’s services, Nick Page said: “People change jobs or retire from employers all over the country and the city council is the same as any other organisation.

“It’s not appropriate for me to comment on people’s personal choices but if someone leaves the council to pursue their career then I wish them well.

“I take pride in the fact their time here has allowed them to develop and afforded them a stepping stone. To me, it shows that Salford council employees are in demand.

“Similarly, where people retire after many years service to the city then I offer them my best wishes for the next chapter in their lives.”

Already this year the council’s top solicitor, Anthony Rich, has taken voluntary redundancy from his £70,000 a year post and Susan Wildman, the council’s head of marketing and communication has quit her £75,000 a year post to join the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Brian Wroe, assistant director of community services, also left.