London Borough of Islington names its next Corporate Director of Children’s Services

Carmel Littleton is to be appointed as Islington Council’s next Corporate Director of Children’s Services.

Ms Littleton will join Islington in the new year from Thurrock where she has been Director of Children’s Services since 2013, prior to that serving as Thurrock’s Head of Learning and Universal Outcomes. Her background includes teaching, working as an educational psychologist and as a Children’s Services Advisor for the eastern region.

Islington Council Leader Richard Watts was on the appointment panel. He said, “We look forward to welcoming Carmel. The job will have its challenges because Islington is a borough of such great contrasts. Islington is one of the most deprived areas in the country with the fourth highest child poverty rate and complex underlying social problems that need to be tackled. But we are already making inroads and Carmel will join a committed and enthusiastic team.”

Carmel Littleton said, “I am delighted to be joining Islington and look forward to both the challenge and exciting opportunities that this brings. I can’t wait to build on the excellent work that is already underway and ensure every child and young person has the best possible chances in life.”

The vacancy for this important management role at Islington came about following former Corporate Director Eleanor Schooling’s secondment to Ofsted as National Director - Social Care from September. Eleanor will retire from Islington at Christmas. She has been Islington’s Director of Children’s Services since March 2009.

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