The Isle of Wight Council’s children’s services department needs a new head of department amid turmoil in County Hall’s education policy – and they will be paid over £100,000 for taking up the role.
In March, education and inclusion deputy director, Brian Pope and former department director, Steve Crocker, left the Isle of Wight Council. Their positions were shared between the Island and Hampshire County Council and both were based on the mainland.
Now, a successful candidate is required to take the lead, as the 2 councils’ working partnership comes to an end.
The Isle of Wight Council’s appointments and employment committee members could agree to start the recruitment process when they meet next Tuesday (29th August). Committee members could also agree to look at interim arrangements, to cover the transition.
A report being presented to them warns any delay in starting the recruitment process puts the Isle of Wight Council at risk of not being able to fulfil its statutory duties.
If they agree to place a job advert, interviews could take place at the start of November.
It can take at least 6 months to fill such a senior position and interim boss, Stuart Ashley, formerly the deputy director for children and families, is currently in the role.
The Isle of Wight-based position is expected to command a salary of at least £109,693, according to County Hall’s pay policy.
A draft job summary says the new director would spearhead an innovative and integrated approach to the delivery of children’s services.
For the past year, the Isle of Wight Council has been trying to deal with the issues of too many empty places in primary schools, a lack of teacher recruitment and tightening budgets.
In July, the Island authority was shocked by the news of Hampshire County Council’s decision to terminate a decade-old partnership, choosing to focus on children in its own county.
Last month, current council leader, Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox – who is hanging on by a thread – apologised for the way certain announcements about potential school closures had been made and she assumed the role of education lead.
In September, the Isle of Wight Council and leading cabinet members will reveal more about what will happen next for the children’s services department.
£100k to have their hands tied by the muppets on the council. Sounds like a dream job.
I’ll do it for £25K…( plus £75K in the brown envelope)
Whoever gets the job will have to wield the axe and shut down nine primary schools. That is the recommendation highlighted by Bob earlier this week. That or continue frittering away more and more council tax.