New Director of Children’s Services appointed at Buckinghamshire Council

Buckinghamshire Council has appointed a new Corporate Director for Children’s Services.

John Macilwraith will join Buckinghamshire Council, from Sheffield City Council, later in the summer of 2022.

John said: ‘I am currently the Executive Director People Services with Sheffield City Council. Previously I have worked with Cumbria County Council and Medway Council. I started my career as a street based worker with vulnerable young people. I love working in local government and have been a public servant for over 30 years.

I am delighted to be joining Buckinghamshire Council at this time and I am really excited about working with members, council colleagues and partners to achieving improved outcomes for children and young people. ‘

John replaces Richard Nash who has been Interim Corporate Director since June 2021. Richard is moving back to his role of Service Director for Children’s Social Care at the Council.

Richard said: ‘I have been privileged to work with a great team of officers, councillors and partners over the last year, ensuring that Children’s Services sits at the heart of the Council. I am looking forward to working with John and I am sure he will bring a wealth of experience to the role.‘

Rachael Shimmin, Chief Executive at Buckinghamshire Council, said: ‘I want to thank Richard for his outstanding work, picking up the challenges and taking us through the final stages of the Ofsted Inspection. We’ve come a huge way in our Children’s Services improvement journey: we are no longer judged ‘Inadequate’ and Ofsted have noted and praised many aspects of our service.‘

Councillor Anita Cranmer, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Buckinghamshire Council, said: ‘We are looking forward to working with John to continue the great work being undertaken to ensure that children are safe, get the best education we can provide and enjoy their formative years in Bucks.‘

*Source of article : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council.