Haringey installs interim director to lead children's services

Blake, who succeeded Peter Lewis as director of children and young people’s  services (DCS) at the London authority in autumn 2011, accepted redundancy last week as the council prepares to introduce a new top-tier management structure in its children’s department.

Lisa Redfern, Haringey’s deputy director for adult and community learning, who has recently led on assurance, performance management and commissioning for children and young people, has taken on the statutory director of children’s services duties until a long-term successor is found.

Blake, former acting director of the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, joined Haringey as it was about to exit government special measures imposed in response to the death of Baby Peter Connelly at the hands of his mother and her partner in 2007.

A council spokesperson said Blake’s departure was linked to the restructure of its senior management team.

The spokesperson added: “Libby goes with the council’s good wishes and gratitude for her hard work, passion for improving outcomes for children and young people, and the significant improvements she has overseen.

“She has led a series of improvements in the service that have built the basis for further progress in the years ahead.

“School results have improved, safeguarding procedures have been strengthened and there is closer working with statutory partners.”

Under the council’s proposed new management structure, the DCS role will be primarily focused on social care, early intervention and prevention, as well as retaining statutory functions.

New assistant director posts will be created covering integrated commissioning, and schools and learning.

The council says the restructure will create “an organisation with a stronger strategic focus, improved leadership, clearer lines of responsibility and greater capacity to deliver corporate priorities”.

A staff consultation on the proposals closes next week.