New director of children’s services appointed

Ian Thomas has been appointed as Joyce Thacker’s replacement following her resignation in September.

Mr Thomas is currently deputy chief executive and children’s services director at Derbyshire County Council.

He will take up his new job at Rotherham Borough Council in January.

Mr Thomas has 25 years’ experience in local government and worked for Derbyshire County Council since 2006 in a number of senior management roles.

Prior to his roles within Derbyshire, Mr Thomas was part of the senior leadership team at Trafford Council, where he helped improve social care from a weak to excellent rating.

He is a national leader within the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, where he chairs the national Resources and Sustainability Committee.

He was recognised by The Observer and innovation charity NESTA, who earlier this year named him as one of Britain’s 50 New Radicals for 2014.

Mr Thomas said: “I am privileged to be joining Rotherham to lead the transformation of the system that improves outcomes for children in the borough.”

Borough council leader Cllr Paul Lakin said: “Ian’s track record speaks for itself, and we’re delighted that Rotherham will benefit from his substantial experience and expertise, including his work at a national level.”

Mr Thomas has been appointed on an interim basis.

The Jay report revealed that 1,400 children has been victims of child sexual exploitation between 1997 and 2013.