'Unprecedented' Temporary director steps in after Leeds children's services review
Services for vulnerable children will be overseen by a temporary director after concerns were raised over senior staff absences
Pete Thorpe will act as Leeds City Council’s interim director of children’s services (DCS).
The council said it faced an “unprecedented” staffing situation when its permanent DCS and two deputies were unexpectedly off work at the same time.
It meant there was no designated DCS in place between November 17 and December 5 last year, a technical breach of section 18 of the Children’s Act.
An extraordinary full council meeting was held in December and the council launched a review of leadership arrangements.
Labour’s Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families, said the council continued to meet its legal duties during the absence period.
She told a scrutiny board meeting: “The safeguarding and care of children is one of the council’s highest priorities. Well it’s my highest priority.”
The council said decisions taken after November 17 were reviewed by its internal audit and legal services teams.
A report to the meeting said: “Lawful, robust and appropriate safeguarding processes were in place at all times and effective children’s services continued to be delivered.”
Mr Thorpe joined the authority on January 22 and two other interim leadership roles had been filled.
The report measures would be taken to ensure staff cover was in place if similar situations arose in future.
They included more officers being officially designated as deputies in the department.
Chief executive Ed Whiting would be given authority to act as a statutory officer if others were absent or roles were vacant.
Colin Pettigrew, former DCS at Nottinghamshire County Council, was also asked to carry out an external review.
A letter from Mr Pettigrew said the correct steps were taken by the council since November 17.
He praised the professionalism of officers who stepped up to new roles during the absence period. Mr Pettigrew said: “I sensed a genuine culture of public service and accountability.”