Council joint director role ignores warning

Reporter: JANICE BARKER
Date online: 06/01/2009

Merging Oldham’s children’s and adult services will protect the interests of both age groups.

That’s the view of Oldham Council chief executive Charlie Parker — against Government advice.

Six weeks ago, draft guidance from the Department for Children, Schools and Families warned against appointing joint directors “without very strong justification.”

However, after a report from Mr Parker, the council has slimmed down its top directors’ jobs from five to three. Bosses have also appointed Veronica Jackson, formerly the executive director for adult services, to a new people, communities and society directorate. It covers both adult and children’s services.

The department is urging councils with joint directors to ensure they maintain a necessary focus on the well-being of children.

But Mr Parker said: “The position is not one whereby the Government states we cannot do it, but it does make sure you have appropriate mechanisms to protect the interests of children and young people.

“In my opinion, we will achieve all of them.

“Pulling together the services as a block gets rid of the artificial divide which is not helpful.
“For example, from a case management point of view, someone with learning difficulties at 19 is classified differently as a 17-year-old, but actually there is not a lot of difference.”

Mr Parker’s view is backed by the Improvement and Development Agency, an independent body which helps local government. In October, IDeA published a report suggesting joint departments could cut bureaucracy and create a more family-centred approach.

Mrs Jackson was appointed director of social services in Oldham in 2003 when the department had been hit by two highly critical reports into children’s services and fostering.

She saw it rise from a rating of zero to one-star under Government rankings in two years. Last year, Oldham was named as one of the best local authorities in the country for fostering after being awarded an outstanding grade from inspectors.

Oldham’s change will mean the department has gone full circle in less than three years — it was split into seperate adult and children’s services in March, 2006.