Isle of Wight council’s children’s services department needs a new head, amid turmoil in County Hall’s education policy.
In March, education and inclusion deputy director, Brian Pope and former department director, Steve Crocker, left the Isle of Wight council.
Their positions were shared between the Island and Hampshire County Council and both were based on the mainland.
Successful candidate required
Now, a successful candidate is required to take the lead, as the two councils’ working partnership comes to an end.
Isle of Wight council’s appointments and employment committee members could agree to start the recruitment process when they meet on Tuesday, 29th August.
Committee members could also agree to look at interim arrangements, to cover the transition.
Delay puts IWC at risk
A report being presented to them warns any delay in starting the recruitment process puts the Isle of Wight council at risk of not being able to fulfil its statutory duties.
If they agree to place a job advert, interviews could take place at the start of November.
Role to spearhead new approach to delivery of children’s services
The Isle of Wight council-based position is expected to command a salary of at least £109,693, according to County Hall’s pay policy.
A draft job summary says the new director would spearhead an innovative and integrated approach to the delivery of children’s services.
Challenges
It can take at least six months to fill such a senior position and interim boss, Stuart Ashley, formerly the deputy director for children and families, is currently in the role.
For the past year, the Isle of Wight council has been trying to deal with the issues of too many empty places in primary schools, a lack of teacher recruitment and tightening budgets.
Hampshire partnership
In July, the Island authority was shocked by the news of Hampshire County Council’s decision to terminate a decade-old partnership, choosing to focus on children in its own county.
Last month, council leader, Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox apologised for the way certain announcements about potential school closures had been made and she assumed the role of education lead.
Leadership challenge launched
In September, the Isle of Wight Council and leading cabinet members will reveal more about what will happen next for the children’s services department, meanwhile a leadership challenge has also been launched and will go to a vote on 20th September.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
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