Councils pioneer joint director of children’s services role

Halton Borough Council’s director of children’s services is set to be the first in the country to carry out the role across two local authorities.

The council has entered into a joint arrangement with Cheshire West and Chester, which will see its strategic director of children’s services, Gerald Meehan, take on the role of joint strategic director for both councils as of 21 March.

John Stephens, currently director of children’s services at Cheshire West and Chester, will become deputy director of the new joint service, with responsibility for education across the authorities.

Halton’s divisional manager for safeguarding is also set to take up the role of joint safeguarding unit manager at both councils.

The councils will retain separate political boundaries and accountabilities, as well as separate management teams.

However, the authorities believe the move will allow them to share expertise and skills, while improving value for money.

Meehan said: “I look forward to working with both councils in meeting the challenge to better serve our communities through high-quality education and social care services.”

Stephens added: “This is a really exciting opportunity for two councils to formalise their relationship and to work collaboratively, drawing on each other’s strengths for the benefit of children, young people, their families and communities.”

Cheshire West and Chester was one of 14 local authorities labelled as “performing poorly” overall in Ofsted’s latest annual children’s services ratings.

A recent inspection of safeguarding and services for looked-after children found the local authority’s performance to be inadequate.

Halton was judged to be “performing well” in its yearly Ofsted rating.