Statement – Carmel Littleton

Carmel has left a lasting legacy of compassionate public service in Islington and many children, young people, families and older residents have had better lives thanks to her hard work and dedication.

A true ‘people person’, Carmel had a rare combination of drive, persistence and empathy, getting the best out of everyone she worked with. She really cared about helping local people, especially the most vulnerable, and was deeply passionate about making the borough a fairer and more equal place.

Carmel was made Corporate Director, People, in 2019, leading for the council on adult social care, children and young people, employment, skills and culture. She had been Director of Children’s Services since 2016.

As a commissioner on Islington’s independent Fair Futures Commission in 2017-18, Carmel helped transform the pioneering project into a raft of positive changes and actions to improve the futures of children, young people and their families – including the 100 Hours World Of Work, Music Education Islington and 11 By 11 initiatives.

Carmel also made a difference in youth safety, leading on work to tackle the exploitation of our vulnerable young people by organised crime groups. Her leadership on prevention and early intervention saw the council examining links between school exclusions of Black and minority ethnic pupils and their involvement in crime, gangs and serious violence – and draw up an action plan to address it.

In Carmel’s time at the council, she played a vital role in improving children’s social care services from a “good” rating in 2016 to “outstanding” last year, with inspectors praising an “unwavering commitment to improving and enriching the lives of children and their families”. Carmel thanked and paid tribute to her “dedicated staff”.

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Leader of Islington Council, said: “It was such a pleasure and privilege to get to work closely with Carmel over the last seven years.

“She was a beautiful person, who had an amazing way of insisting we always did more and better, with so much compassion that it compelled you forward. Her commitment and passion for young people in our borough was unwavering.

"Carmel was both deeply loved and respected by staff at all levels, as well as partners, councillors and of course the young people she worked with and for.

“While Carmel had been very unwell for some time, it has still come as a shock for us all. Carmel’s family and the many, many people who knew and loved her are in our thoughts.”

Linzi Roberts-Egan, Chief Executive of Islington Council, said: “Carmel was the ultimate public sector leader, a professional of the highest calibre and integrity, heading a team of hundreds in the council’s People Directorate.

“We are all still coming to terms with this terribly sad news; it has been an emotional week for her team, and for so many others whose lives she touched.

“Carmel was a wonderful colleague and a remarkable woman; even as she neared the end of her life, she remained truly inspirational.

“She would never want the focus to be on her, but on our residents who depend on us. She would want us to remember her by celebrating life, doing the best we can, and making the most of every moment.

“We send our deepest condolences to Carmel’s family, friends and everyone who worked with her.”

Carmel had previously worked at Thurrock Council as Corporate Director for Children’s Services, and as Head of Learning and Universal Outcomes before that.

During her time in Thurrock, the proportion of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ schools rose from 33% (one of the worst in the country), to nearly 90%; one of the best, a testament to her talent and expertise.

Carmel started her career as a teacher and educational psychologist, moving into increasingly senior management roles in Camden, Islington, Tower Hamlets and Essex, and heading up services for gifted and talented pupils, youth offending and a wide range of services for vulnerable children and families. She also lectured at the University of London, Institute of Education, where she taught students on the Masters course in Educational Psychology, specialising in bilingual assessment, early intervention and multi-agency working.