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Victoria boosts Children’s Social Care team

Keeping children safe and working with families who need extra support are the key responsibilities for a new Assistant Director appointed by Calderdale Council.

Victoria Gibbs will be joining the senior leadership team in Children and Young People’s Services directorate as the Assistant Director for Early Intervention and Safeguarding in January 2019.

She replaces Julie Jenkins who was appointed as the Director of Children and Young People’s Services in September following the retirement of Stuart Smith.

Currently the Head of Integrated Commissioning and Prevention at North Lincolnshire Council, Victoria has over 20 years of experience in children’s social care. North Lincolnshire Council’s Children’s Services is rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

As Assistant Director for Early Intervention and Safeguarding, Victoria will be responsible for making sure children in Calderdale are happy, healthy, safe and successful.

She will also work with the Council’s wider senior management team in the Council’s drive to deliver its Vision for 2024 and to become the Best Borough in the North for children to grow up.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Megan Swift said:

“Victoria was an outstanding candidate and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to appoint such an experienced individual to this crucial role. It’s no secret that nationally there are growing pressures on children’s social care and it’s an incredibly challenging time.

“Our priority is always to make sure we continue to protect the most vulnerable children in Calderdale so that they can have a happy childhood and grow into resilient and independent adults.”

Victoria said:

“I’m excited at the prospect of joining Calderdale Council in the New Year.  I’ve been inspired by the ambition which I’ve seen in the place and the drive for improvement and innovation within the Children’s Services team.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the team and to improving the lives of children, young people and families in Calderdale.”

The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday. Where do we want to be by 2024? What’s our ambition and what will be different?  Get involved with the debate on Twitter with #VisionCdale2024 and find out more athttps://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/council/vision-2024

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