Cheshire West and Chester Council names new childrens director

Cheshire West and Chester Council has appointed Helen Brackenbury (pictured) as its new director of children and family services.

Ms Brackenbury, who has worked for the council since it was formed in 2009, will take up the role in April 2021.

She has an extensive background in children’s services, working at Hertfordshire County Council before moving to Cheshire in 2000.

She has held senior manager and director posts for the last seven years and brings with her a wealth of experience of partnership working, commissioning and contracting and an in-depth knowledge of the prevention and early intervention agenda.

‘I’m pleased to be taking on this new role, leading an ambitious team who have shown over the last challenging year true dedication to their work and the children and families that rely on them,’ she said.

‘I will continue to build upon the excellent foundations and good practice already in place. With a focus on improving overall outcomes for children and families, we will provide a seamless service by combining the wide range of early help services with the statutory children’s social care offer.’

The council’s cabinet member for children and families, Cllr Bob Cernik added: ‘Helen has a vast amount of experience across a broad range of children’s services. She has been instrumental in the implementation of our early help and preventative approach which has now been embedded across the whole council. She will work very well with our partners to ensure children in the borough get the best start in life.’