Norfolk CC’s beleaguered children’s services department has lost another senior officer following the sudden departure of assistant director Lesley Whitney - it has emerged.
Ms Whitney, who was assistant director for early help, served Norfolk for 18 years over two separate periods, from 1986 to 1997 and latterly from 2006.
She had also worked on a wide range services including those for vulnerable children and young people, adoption and fostering, safeguarding and services for children with disabilities.
News of her early exit follows the decision of then director of children’s services, Lisa Christensen, to stand down in June after a concerted campaign led by constituency MPs, including childcare minister Liz Truss.
An Ofsted inspection in February rated Norfolk’s looked after children’s services as inadequate and children’s minister, Edward Timpson, then wrote to the council warning the Government would intervene if ‘rapid and sustainable’ improvements are not made.
Ms Christensen was replaced by former Leicester City Council chief executive Sheila Lock,who has vowed to radically improve performance.
Ms Whitney said: ‘It has been a privilege to experience first hand the dedication of frontline staff and those that support them.’
‘I leave at a time when there are significant challenges in children’s services and I wish all of my colleagues well in continuing to drive forward the improvements that are needed.’
Ms Lock said: Lesley has made a huge commitment to children’s services both here and in other areas of the country and I wish here a happy and healthy retirement.
‘I will be taking steps in the next week or so to secure additional support and leadership.’
