Birmingham City Council has announced that its executive director for children and families, Sue Harrison, is currently on an extended leave of absence from her duties. The council issued a brief statement confirming her absence but declined to elaborate on the personal circumstances surrounding it, citing standard policy regarding staff privacy.
Temporary Leadership Arrangement Implemented
In a communication distributed to school heads across the city on Thursday, January 22, the council revealed that James Thomas, the chief executive of Birmingham Children's Trust, will be temporarily assuming responsibility for the delivery of children's services during Ms Harrison's absence. This interim arrangement sees Mr Thomas taking on the role of Director of Children's Services in addition to his existing leadership position within the Trust.
Continuity and Confidence in Transition
In his message to schools, Mr Thomas expressed confidence in the temporary leadership structure, noting his existing close working relationship with Ms Harrison and the broader Children and Families leadership team. He emphasised his extensive experience in children's services leadership and assured stakeholders of a smooth transition, inviting direct contact for any specific questions or concerns during this period.
The announcement comes shortly after Ms Harrison's regular weekly message to schools was published as normal on January 15, with no indication of any impending leave. Her tenure, which began in November 2021 following previous roles at Central Bedfordshire and Blackpool councils, has recently been highlighted in a government-commissioned report examining the council's recovery from financial difficulties.
Recent Recognition and Ongoing Challenges
The report by government-appointed commissioners acknowledged significant progress within Birmingham's children's services under Ms Harrison's leadership, particularly in provision for children with special educational needs. However, the same document also stressed the importance of maintaining organisational stability to embed positive changes across the council's operations.
Remuneration and Responsibility
The executive director position for children and families carries substantial responsibility alongside a salary ranging from £179,826 to a maximum of £233,915, reflecting the critical nature of the role in overseeing services for the city's young people and families.
This development occurs against a backdrop of ongoing challenges for Birmingham City Council as it continues its recovery journey, with children's services remaining a key priority area for improvement and stabilisation.
