The Isle of Wight council has announced the appointment of a new key senior manager to lead services for children, young people and families across the Island.
Following a nationwide search, Ashley Whittaker has been appointed as the authority’s new director of children’s services.
To lead a dedicated and passionate team
As the council steps away from a successful ten-year strategic partnership with Hampshire County Council, he will lead a dedicated and passionate team to create an independent service to be proud of.
Following teaching and leadership roles within schools, Ashley has worked across a range of children’s services including education, health, social care and special educational needs and disabilities.
He also brings to the role extensive experience of working with partner organisations including the voluntary sector.
Whittaker: Looking forward to working collaboratively
Ashley said,
“I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with colleagues both inside and outside the council, and of course with the children, young people and families we serve.
“Establishing an independent children’s services directorate within the council following the cessation of arrangements with Hampshire is an exciting opportunity to build on the improvements and progress of recent years.
“I’m also looking forward to working collaboratively and in partnership to make the life outcomes for children on the Isle of Wight as good as they can be.”
Perera: An opportunity to continue to improve outcomes
Wendy Perera, the council’s chief executive, said,
“We look forward to welcoming Ashley to the senior management team at the council.
“The partnership with Hampshire over the past ten years has delivered real improvements in children’s social care and education on the Island.
“With the partnership ceasing comes an opportunity to continue to improve outcomes for families and young people on the Island.
“Ashley, using his substantial knowledge and skills, will lead the way in shaping a service, tailored precisely to the needs of those it supports. Putting our young people and our community at the heart of what we do is essential to providing an excellent service for them.
“In Ashley, we have an inspirational director who is committed to driving forward our vision, with a passion to support our communities into the future.”
Bacon: Some very big issues to deal with
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for children’s services, said,
“There are some very big issues to deal with in the coming months and years, but the changes we are going through and the appointment of Ashley means we will be in an excellent place to address these issues and to realise the great opportunities the changes in fact present us with.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Ashely as we establish our newly independent children’s services department and take things forward for our Island children.”
Subject to the appointment process, it is hoped Ashley will be able to take up his post from 1st February 2024.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
