New director ‘delighted’ to head up children and family services
SHE BRINGS OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO THE ROLE
A NEW director for children and families has been appointed by Staffordshire County Council.
Bernie Brown will be joining the authority from Bolton Council, where she is currently its director of children’s services.
She has previously held assistant director roles in Liverpool and Knowsley, and has worked in Shropshire, Oxfordshire, and New Zealand.
Bernie, who has more than 30 years of experience in the sector, replaces Neelam Bhardwaja, who is leaving in the summer.
“I am delighted to be appointed as the director for children and family services and am really looking forward to leading a team which puts Staffordshire children, young people and families firmly at the centre of how services are delivered,” said Bernie.
Cllr Mark Sutton, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I would like to take the opportunity to thank Neelam for her hard work and dedication on behalf of Staffordshire families, and wish her all the best for the future.
“In Staffordshire, we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure our children are safe, happy and can flourish.
“Continuing to improve our services is an absolute priority for this council, and the appointment of Bernie will
Bernie’s experience will be key to helping us deliver our ambitions for all children
Cllr Jonathan Price
undoubtedly strengthen these efforts.” Cllr Jonathan Price, cabinet member for education and SEND, also welcomed the appointment.
He added: “We want to ensure every child gets the best start in life and best support in education, and Bernie’s experience will be key to helping us deliver our ambitions for all children. “I would also like to thank Neelam for her great support and look forward to building on what has been achieved.”
Chief executive of the authority, Pat Flaherty, said: “I am confident that, in Bernie, we have found someone who will provide strong leadership and direction for children and families and will quickly prove an asset to this council.”