Lancashire County Council welcomes new Executive Director of Education and Children’s Services

Jacqui joins the authority from North Tyneside Council, where she is Director for Adult and Children's Services. With responsibility for adults, children, education, and public health she brings with her a wealth of experience and a considerable track record of delivering successful programmes in both the NHS and local authority, including North Tyneside's Change Programme for Cared for Services.

Under Jacqui's lead, North Tyneside Council was praised by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) earlier this year for their united approach to improving the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The authority's Children's Services and Youth Justice Service were rated as outstanding last year, with its Front Door service judged as 'highly effective' by Ofsted in June.

Jacqui said: “I feel very privileged to have been appointed to such a meaningful and influential role at Lancashire County Council."

“I thoroughly enjoy working in local government and I'm passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people, and I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues, elected members, partners and Lancashire's diverse communities to ensure children and young people in Lancashire are safe, happy and go on to thrive in life.”

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “This is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles we have at Lancashire County Council. Our education and children’s services have been transformed in recent years and I look forward to Jacqui taking the lead in continuing to improve these vital services for the benefit of Lancashire’s children and young people.

'Jacqui will be taking over from Edwina Grant OBE, who is retiring in September following a lifetime of dedicated public service. We will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate Edwina's many successes as she hands over the reins to Jacqui, but I would like to recognise now and pay tribute to her fantastic leadership in this role over recent years."

Angie Ridgwell, Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council, said: "Jacqui brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for ensuring that children and young people have the best possible opportunities, and we look forward to welcoming her to our team."