What North East Lincolnshire Council said

THE council said protection and support of young people in North East Lincolnshire is a top priority and will be improved in line with major recommendations.

It comes as the Services’ Director, Lisa Arthey, has announced she is leaving the authority after almost two years – eight months of those as director.

NELC said during that time “significant inroads have been made into the changes that are required”, and in wishing her all the best for the future, said it will now look to continue the work that she has been integral in progressing

Leader of the Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “We recognise and accept Ofsted’s findings. But let me emphasise today that North East Lincolnshire Council is absolutely committed to continuing its journey of improvement and in doing so we will work with all concerned to keep our children safe.”

Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Cllr Ian Lindley, said: “We are determined to meet these challenges. We will not shy away from this, instead we will rise to it.

“The council is committed to work with the specialist commissioner, alongside partners, to accelerate an improvement plan. This three-year plan, implemented in 2019, is underway and is already seeing positive changes – a fact highlighted in the report, with praise in a number of areas.

“For almost 18 months it was impossible to move forward in key areas of looked after children, faceto-face relationship building and social worker recruitment, the latter being a root cause of some of our issues,” said Cllr Lindley.