Telford & Wrekin Council appoints interim Director of Children’s Services

This follows a decision by the council’s new administration to recruit to the post, in keeping with a recommendation by the government’s Munro Report – which reviewed child protection nationwide.

Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: “We felt the safety of children was far too important to be a part time job, which is what was happening before.

“We therefore made a positive and decisive move to recruit to this post and we are delighted to have been able to appoint someone with a very strong background in children’s services.”

Laura started her career as a social worker in south Telford, serving communities from the Madeley and Dawley children’s services teams.

She then continued to develop her social work career in children’s services at Shropshire County Council. From 2005, Laura led on the development of multi agency teams delivering early intervention and support for needy families in Shropshire, before returning to Telford in early 2009.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children across the borough,” said Laura.

“Telford & Wrekin Council is at an exciting stage in its development as it works to become a Co-operative Council. Although these are very challenging times for local government, I am passionate about the role we all have in working together to support our local communities. I am looking forward to helping the council develop this in the months ahead.”