New director of Children's Social Care joins Lancashire County Council

Louise joins Education and Children's Services in Lancashire from Wolverhampton, where she has worked in various roles at City of Wolverhampton Council for thirteen years. Louise's most recent role was Head of Service for Early Help, Multi Agency Support Hub (MASH), Children in Need and Child Protection.

The Director of Children's Social Care at the county council is the operational lead responsible for supporting and challenging the development of the children's social care service, promoting Lancashire's Family Safeguarding practice model and ensuring the child's voice remains at the centre of all decision-making.

Louise said: "I am a registered social worker and have spent the last nine years in various leadership roles. I have enjoyed working in all areas of children's social care, from the front door all the way through to adoption.

"I am motivated to create systems and environments that keep children and young people safe from harm whilst improving their lived experience. My hope for Lancashire over the next few years is that more and more children who have been supported by social care receive the nurture, care and love that will enable them to achieve stable and fulfilling lives in adulthood.

"Lancashire's Children's Social Care team is dedicated, resilient and highly skilled, and I can't wait to see how I can support them to develop and improve our services for children, young people and families in the county."

County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Lancashire County Council, said: "Louise has a wealth of experience in working closely with children and young people, understanding their needs, listening to their views and achieving positive outcomes.

"This is an incredibly important role, and we are confident that Louise's vast knowledge and experience make her the best person to lead the way in caring for our county's children, young people and families."

Jacqui Old, Executive Director of Education and Children's Services at Lancashire County Council, said: "Louise's career to date spans all areas of children's social care, meaning she is well-equipped to support our committed children's social care team to deliver the best possible services. We are a warm and welcoming bunch, and we are very much looking forward to working with Louise."