Peterborough City Council appoints new executive director of children’s services

Peterborough City Council has announced the appointment of a new executive director of children’s services. Sue Westcott, currently assistant director for safeguarding families and communities, will take up the position from January 2013.

She will replace interim director Malcolm Newsam, who was drafted in as a short-term troubleshooter at a cost of £1,250 per day in June 2011.

His appointment was made to turn around the embattled department following a damning Ofsted report in September that led to former director John Richards’ reisgnation.

Mrs Westcott held a key role in Mr Newsam’s administration, and was appointed as assistant director of safeguarding families and communities in March.

She will be paid £125,000 per year, and Mr Newsam will stay in his post until the handover in the new year.

Mrs Westcott said: “I am delighted and very proud to be appointed.

“There is already excellent work going on to improve Social Care.

“I look forward to working with head reachers, statutory partners, voluntary agencies and the community to ensure that Peterborough has the best possible service for its children, young people and their families.”

Councillor Sheila Scott, cabinet member for children’s services for Peterborough City Council, retained her position after the damning Ofsted report after she claimed the department needed a sense of continuity during the time of transition.

She said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sue Westcott as Director of children’s services.

“She has tremendous experience and has played a vital role in assisting interim director Malcolm Newsam take giant strides forward in making sustained improvements in the service.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Malcolm for the fundamental and continuous progress in children’s services since his appointment on an interim basis last year.

“His direction has been invaluable and now with the appointment of Sue the excellent work he started will be continued.”

Councillor John Holdich, cabinet member for education, skills and university for Peterborough City Council, has also welcomed the appointment.

He said: “I am looking forward to working with Sue Westcott in her new role.

“I have been impressed by her commitment to children and young people and know that she will work closely with schools and governing bodies to deliver the best possible educational outcomes across the City.”

Mrs Westcott has worked in Children’s Services for the last 30 years including periods as assistant director in Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire County Council, which were rated as outstanding by Ofsted.