SENIOR LEADERS IN TAMESIDE MAKE SHARED COMMITMENT TO DELIVERING SUBSTANTIAL AND SUSTAINABLE IMPROVEMENTS

Today, following a special Full Council meeting which saw Harry Catherall appointed as the Interim Chief Executive of Tameside Council, leaders have made a shared commitment to delivering the substantial and sustainable improvements required at the authority. 

Harry’s appointment completes the senior team of leaders responsible for delivering the improvements required, identified by Ofsted and the Commissioner for Children's Services:

• Executive Leader of Tameside Council – Cllr Eleanor Wills 
• Executive Member for Children and Families - Cllr Teresa Smith. 
• Interim Chief Executive - Harry Catherall
• Interim Director of Children’s Services – Dr Catherine Driscoll 

They will have the full support and commitment of the council’s Executive Cabinet, the wider leadership team and workforce.

Councillor Eleanor Wills, Executive Leader of Tameside Council, said: “I would like to formally welcome Harry Catherall to the team here in Tameside, and thank him for making this shared commitment today to the hard work ahead. 

 “We know Harry has a proven track record of leading high-performing children’s and adults social care services, and overseeing large-scale public service improvement programmes. Alongside Dr Catherine Driscoll’s substantial experience of transforming challenged services, we have an excellent team in place to take this work forward.

 “During the coming months we will continue our recruitment for a permanent Director of Children’s Services and start the recruitment for a permanent Chief Executive, and once complete there will be a smooth transition which will provide consistency for our staff and residents.  We are taking the time needed to do this right.  There is a careful and serious process to follow in order to appoint people with the right level of experience and commitment. We are creating a successful foundation here for them to build on when they come into post.”   It is anticipated it will take between six and 12 months to recruit and bring a new permanent Chief Executive. 

“Together, we are committed not only to making the necessary improvements to Children’s Services, but also to addressing the issues that have been identified with the culture of the organisation.  Over the coming weeks and months, we will work to foster a positive and supportive work environment.  Work has already started but today marks an important day - our strong and unified leadership team is in place and we are moving forward at pace. 

“One of my key priorities is listening, both to our residents and to the people who work at the Council.  I want to understand how you feel and what your experiences have been, so your perspectives can help to shape the way we work and deliver services.  To this end, I will be accessible over the coming weeks, visiting staff and talking to residents." 

Harry Catherall, Interim Chief Executive of Tameside Council said: “I began my career as a 16-year-old apprentice at Tameside Council, which kickstarted my 40 plus year career in local government, so it brings me great pride to return to the authority in its time of need.

“I will be working closely with senior leaders and elected members over the coming weeks to ensure I have a full understanding of the improvements that are needed and I’m confident that we can start to turn the tide and make real progress for the residents of Tameside.”

Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “I’m delighted to stand alongside this leadership team today. Tameside Children’s Services are in the safe and highly-experienced hands we need to move forward. 

"I am committed to listening to the voices of children and young people as we move through this process - they are the experts in their own lives. They know what they need. We are in the process of recruiting our permanent Director of Children’s Service who we expect will be announced in the next few weeks.

Dr Catherine Driscoll, Interim Director of Children’s Services, said: “We’re confident we will make the necessary improvements to services, but it’s important to be clear there are no quick fixes. We’re moving at pace but we’re also making sure we do this right - and that does take time.

“Ultimately, the priority here is getting this work right for children and their families throughout Tameside. They deserve the best care and support, and to grow and thrive in a safe and protected environment. We’re doing this work for each and every one of the children we have a responsibility to care for. 

“I also want to take this opportunity to say thank you to employees of Tameside Council for their continued hard work through the changes and challenges of the last few weeks. A particular thank you goes to our social workers – this has not been an easy time and we’re grateful for the good work you’ve been doing. We’re grateful for your continued focus on improving outcomes for children.”