Failing children’s services now rated excellent

PRAISE . . . outgoing executive director Veronica Jackson says the excellent Ofsted report is a credit to the staff

THE woman who transformed Oldham’s children’s services from rock bottom to the top rating in seven years is going out on a high.

Veronica Jackson took over in 2003 when a Government minister threatened to privatise the failing council department.

Today, the revitalised department has been awarded the top grade of “performing excellently” by Ofsted inspectors, the children’s services watchdog — putting Oldham in the country’s top 20 local authorities.

It is a fitting swansong for Mrs Jackson (60), Executive Director for People, Communities and Society, who has announced she will retire in February.

The “excellent” Ofsted report — which covered all inspected and regulated services for children and young people, and their performance against national measures — means Oldham scored the top mark of 4.

It is ranked as an organisation that significantly exceeds minimum requirements.

Last month the Care Quality Commission rated Oldham Council’s Adult Services, which is also in Mrs Jackson’s department, as performing well.

Mrs Jackson was appointed Executive Director of Social Services in 2003, and took up her present post in January, 2009.

It covers adult and children’s social care, education, neighbourhood working, leisure, community safety and culture, has a budget of £129 million and a staff of over 2,500 across the “cradle to grave” service.

She has been a team leader for the Building Schools for the Future and Academies programme for Oldham. and also piloted and introduced district partnerships

She said: “This is the icing on the cake. It is a credit to the staff who’ve worked their socks off.

“I’ve loved my time with Oldham Council and found the job itself, through both the lows and the highs, to be tremendously challenging and fascinating.

“I’ve always believed that we can transform people’s lives with the work we do, and I’ll miss working with colleagues dedicated to that end. Most of all though, I’ll miss the great people of Oldham; it’s been a privilege and an honour to serve them.”

She now plans to spend more time travelling, reading, getting fit and learning to play better tennis.

Councillor Howard Sykes, the council leader, said: “Veronica has been a great ambassador for Oldham.

“She has made a difference nationally through her pioneering work on giving people control of their own individual care budgets — something that has promoted greater independence and choice.

“She leaves a lasting legacy and I wish her well for the future.”

Chief Executive Charlie Parker added: “We have worked closely together for the last two years and in that time I’ve seen social services in Oldham go from strength to strength.

“I know she has been active in helping a large number of Oldham’s community and voluntary groups and I am sure they will miss her.

“Veronica probably has no idea of the very real and extensive legacy she leaves behind.”

Michael Jameson, Oldham Council’s Director of Children’s Services, added: “By any measure, Oldham is now regarded as a good place to raise your family and access the opportunities needed to realise your future ambitions and aspirations.”