Children's boss to leave Blackpool Council

Diane Booth, who took charge of the department in April 2017, is due to officially leave the council on March 31.

She joined Blackpool from her previous position as head of children’s social care at Lancashire County Council, and has clocked up more than 37 years experience in social work.

Among her tasks has been to oversee the improvement of children’s services following its ‘inadequate’ Ofsted report in January 2019.

Coun Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Diane’s commitment and leadership in supporting children and families within the Blackpool community has been remarkable.

“Most recently she, along with her team, has had an enormous impact on delivering improved provision of children’s services in our town against a backdrop of the worst public health crisis in living memory.

“Her work, skills and expertise have helped to drive forward innovative solutions to support those families and the young people in Blackpool who most need it.

“We will miss her professionalism, direction and personal commitment, and appreciate the foundations that she has put in place for better outcomes for our children and families.

“As a council we thank Diane for her significant contribution to children’s services and look forward to her team and her successor to build on the improvements that have been made during her time in Blackpool.”

The council is already searching for a new director and has advertised the role with a salary of between £98,299 and £108,334.

It says it needs “an outstanding leader who can help us continue to drive forward our journey of improvement. “

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