Sefton Council is looking for a new chief for its troubled children’s services with outgoing director Martin Birch leaving earlier than anticipated.
Recruitment is underway to find a replacement executive director for children’s services, with an advertisement for the role - which pays up to £128k a year - now online.
A meeting of Sefton’s children’s services scrutiny committee held this week was notable by Mr Birch’s absence, cabinet member Cllr Mhairi Doyle revealed the director was leaving the council on Friday for “personal reasons.”
READ MORE: Thomas Cashman trial updates as jury begin to hear evidence around Olivia Pratt-Korbel shooting
Mr Birch, who was appointed in January last year and took up his post in April following the council’s inadequate Ofsted rating, announced his impending departure last month less than a year into his role.
A council spokesperson said at the time he had “tendered his resignation” and was due to leave in April.
The council spokesperson cited "personal reasons" behind Mr Birch’s departure, who was understood to be taking up a role in Cumbria, closer to where he lives.
However, at the children’s services meeting held this week it was revealed Mr Birch’s departure from the council would actually be this Friday, March 10, as the outgoing director is taking outstanding leave.
Cllr Judy Hardman said: “He has every right to leave of course, but I’m concerned we will miss him. We’ve talked a lot about the importance of stability and relationships and this is a big hit. What are we going to do?”
Cllr Doyle said the vacancy was now out with a date set for the end of May for interviews.
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter
READ NEXT
Thomas Cashman trial updates as jury told of moment mum realised Olivia Pratt-Korbel had been shot
Schoolchildren arrested after horrific cat attack video emerges
Woman 'gave Thomas Cashman new clothes' after Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot
Eurovision Song Contest tickets being resold for £11,000
When and where snow will fall as Met Office issues four day weather warning
