A new Director for Children and Families has been appointed by Staffordshire County Council.
Bernie Brown will be joining the authority from Bolton Council, where she is Director of Children’s Services, replacing Neelam Bhardwaja, who is leaving in the summer.
Mark Sutton, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “I would like to take the opportunity to thank Neelam for her hard work and dedication on behalf of Staffordshire families and wish her all the best for the future.
“In Staffordshire, we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure our children are safe, happy and can flourish.
“Continuing to improve our services is an absolute priority for this council and the appointment of Bernie will undoubtedly strengthen these efforts.”
Jonathan Price, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Education and SEND, welcomed the appointment and added: “We want to ensure every child gets the best start in life and best support in education and Bernie’s experience will be key to helping us deliver our ambitions for all children.
“I would also like to thank Neelam for her great support and look forward to building on what has been achieved.”
Chief Executive Pat Flaherty said: “Bernie has a proven track record with over 30 years’ experience in the sector.
“I am confident that in Bernie, we have found someone who will provide strong leadership and direction for Children and Families and will quickly prove an asset to this council.”
Bernie, pictured, has previously held Assistant Director roles in Liverpool and Knowsley and has worked in Shropshire, Oxfordshire, and New Zealand.
Bernie said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the Director for Children and Family Services and am really looking forward to leading a team which puts Staffordshire children, young people and families firmly at the centre of how services are delivered.”
