GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council has appointed a new Executive Director of Children’s Services for 2023. 

Ann James, who joined the council as Director of Safeguarding and Care in January last year, has more than 30 years experience in children’s services.

Since joining the council, she has been part of delivering improvements designed to take the county’s children’s services from an OFSTED rating of ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’. 

She will take up the new role from April, replacing current Executive Director Chris Spencer.

Ann said: “I am thrilled to be able to lead our improvement journey as the Executive Director of Children’s Services.

“We know that investing in children today, pays dividends in the future. 

“My commitment in taking this post will be to build a county that works for all children.

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with the incredible team we have in Children’s Services as I take on this new role in 2023.”

Cllr Stephen Davies, cabinet member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, said: “I am delighted that Ann has been appointed to this new role.

“I would like to thank Chris Spencer for his hard work in the role, including his leadership in taking the service out of an ‘Inadequate’ OFSTED rating, and looking forward to working further with him until April.

“Ann was the outstanding candidate for the role and I am looking forward to her leading the service’s further improvement.”