Rochdale Council appoints interim head of children’s services
By News England

Gladys Rhodes White OBE has been appointed as Interim Director of Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council.

Ms Rhodes, a social care expert with over 30 years’ experience of working with children and young people, started her new role this week and will work three days per week initially and full time from early November until a new Executive Director for Children’s Services is appointed.

Ms Rhodes is currently Director of Children’s Services at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. She was awarded an OBE for Services for Children in 2007 and during her time in Blackburn its Children’s Services OFSTED rating moved from inadequate to outstanding, and is currently good.

She is the Independent Chairwoman of Calderdale’s Improvement Board for Children’s Services, the Vice Chairwoman of North West ADCS (Association of Directors of Children’s Services) and a former National Advisor to NCH (Now known as Action for Children).

Jim Taylor, Chief Executive said: “Gladys brings with her a wealth of invaluable experience and a track record of bringing her authority to an excellent OFSTED rating. I welcome her to the team and am confident she will help us develop and improve further, as we continue to do everything we can to ensure young people are protected and supported.”

Ms Rhodes said she is looking forward to working in Rochdale: “I have already seen much of the really positive work going on in Children’s Social Care and met some dedicated, enthusiastic and caring staff who I am looking forward to working with.

“I am very familiar with the challenges in this area and the complexities of some of the issues, but I think Rochdale is learning from its recent experiences and is well placed to progress further.

“I firmly believe that strong multi-agency working is absolutely crucial in improving outcomes for children, young people and their families.”

Cath Knowles will continue to act as Interim Assistant Director for Targeted Services, alongside Sandra Bowness, Director of Support for Learning.