Director of Children's Services Manchester announces early retirement

Pauline Newman, Director of Children's Services, Manchester City Council, is to take early retirement from 31 March, 2011 after being in post for more than eight years.

A report to the Council's Personnel Committee today recognised the considerable contribution that she has made to outcomes for children and young people in the city and confirmed that her request to take voluntary early retirement has been allowed.

Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council, said: "Pauline is a highly valued and respected senior manager who has made the fullest contribution to the strategic direction of the Council as well as providing the essential leadership of a complex portfolio and providing the best platform for future success.

"Through her leadership, personal and professional values, dedication and commitment, she has discharged these functions to the highest standards throughout her time with the Council."

The report outlines the specific contributions Ms Newman has made in the last eight years. These include improved support for schools through the radical redesign of Education Services to a Traded model, improvements in the quality of safeguarding services to the City's most vulnerable children, as evidenced in the recent OFSTED inspection and improved partnership working in the City, in particular, the relationship with Headteachers, and joint working arrangements through the Manchester Safeguarding Children's Board.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Director Children's Services, Manchester City Council, said: "Throughout her time in post Pauline has demonstrated absolute integrity and the fullest commitment to the role. She brought with her a massive amount of experience and expertise in social care when she arrived here that the city has benefited from greatly.

"She will be missed by very many colleagues in the council and also in our partner agencies - myself included - but thanks to her hard work during her time here she is leaving behind her a department that Ofsted say is working well, and that has the capacity to improve even further."

Pauline Newman said: "I realise my decision may come as a surprise to some, but I have considered it carefully and decided that at nearly 58 years old, and with nearly nine years in Manchester, the time is right for me to leave.

"Following our positive Ofsted inspection at the end of last year, I feel I can leave with the sense that I and my Department have achieved much in the last few years.

"It is clear however that the future will require further changes in social care and I think the time is therefore now right for a new Director to take things forward.

"I will miss all of my colleagues here and in other agencies, but I am happy in the knowledge that I am leaving the Department in good shape and in a good position to move forwards from."

An appointments panel will now be established to progress the recruitment of a new Director of Children's Services.