VentnorBlog understands that Colin Peak, Director for Children and Young People at the Isle of Wight council is to leave the authority.
He started working for the council in January this year.
The IWC issued a press release at the time he joined. Below are a couple of the quotes of what was said back then.
Below are some quotes from when Colin joined and we’ll add more details when we get them.
Speaking following his appointment, Colin said “I am very excited and honoured to be appointed by Isle of Wight Council.
“I am looking forward to take on the responsibility this role requires and use my experience and knowledge to help improve the outcomes for children and young people on the Isle of Wight, something I am passionate about.
Later on in the press release …
Isle of Wight Cabinet member for Children, Social Care, Health and Housing Dawn Cousins said “I am delighted by the appointment of Colin Peak and look forward to working with him to help improve the services we offer. It is very important the Island has continuity during what are very important times for the future of services not only for children and young people, but also for adult learners as well.
“This is why the council has chosen a full time director who has demonstrated he has the passion, drive, enthusiasm and skills to ensure the Children and Young People directorate can continue to improve the services it offers.
The whole press release from 28.Sept.2009 is reproduced below …
Isle of Wight Council has appointed a new full time Director for its Children and Young People directorate, who comes with a wealth of experience.
Colin Peak, 50, is due to begin his new role on 4 January 2010. He is currently the Assistant Director for Targeted & Locality Services at London Borough of Hounslow.
His areas of service include overseeing early years and childcare, the development of children centres, improving the youth service, and leading on Hounslow’s Children and Young People Plan, during which the council was given the top “four star” rating in the Audit Commission’s annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).
His previous experience saw him head Integrated Services, Commissioning and Partnerships at London Borough of Merton, where he was also Head of Early Years, Childcare and Extended Schools. Colin also held a similar position at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.
Prior to working in local government, Colin Peak spent four years working as an Adult Learning and OFSTED inspector, specialising in further education and social care.
Speaking following his appointment, Colin said “I am very excited and honoured to be appointed by Isle of Wight Council.
“I am looking forward to take on the responsibility this role requires and use my experience and knowledge to help improve the outcomes for children and young people on the Isle of Wight, something I am passionate about.
“There are exciting times ahead on the Island with the school reorganisation and the new children and young people safeguarding strategy to name just two, and I am very pleased that I will be a part of it”
Isle of Wight Council Chief Executive Steve Beynon said “The cross-party selection panel was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and knowledge demonstrated by Colin Peak and he was the number one choice.
“We are very happy he has accepted the offer to become our new Director for Children and Young People Services and I look forward to welcoming him to the Island in the new year”
Isle of Wight Cabinet member for Children, Social Care, Health and Housing Dawn Cousins said “I am delighted by the appointment of Colin Peak and look forward to working with him to help improve the services we offer. It is very important the Island has continuity during what are very important times for the future of services not only for children and young people, but also for adult learners as well.
“This is why the council has chosen a full time director who has demonstrated he has the passion, drive, enthusiasm and skills to ensure the Children and Young People directorate can continue to improve the services it offers.
“The council, subject to members approval, will also soon be launching it’s new safeguarding strategy for children and young people called Safeguarding is Everyone’s Business which is a major document aimed at improving the welfare of those who may need help.
“We are also undergoing a major review of our youth service to better meet the needs of young people, and we are seeing improvements in schools results, so we need to ensure this upward trend continues as we head towards implementing a two-tier education system.
“There is no doubt this position is a challenging one, but it is a challenge I know Colin will relish”
During the selection process, the candidates were also interviewed by a panel of young people who worked with Isle of Wight Council in choosing the preferred candidate for the position.
