29 - Director to leave Dudley Council

Archived news release from 2008

 

He will step down in January next year to take up a new post with the Local Government Association(LGA).

 

He joined the council in 2001 as director of education and lifelong learning following a failed Ofsted inspection. Over the past seven years he has helped transform the children’s services directorate which is now rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

 

In 2005 he became joint president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services.

 

John will now take up a new role with the LGA to support local authorities across the country as they take on £7billion funding for post-16 education when the Learning and Skills Council is abolished in 2010.

 

Jane Porter, the current children’s services assistant director for early years and education services, will be the interim director from January 1 next year. The council will be advertising for a new director at a later date.

 

John Freeman, director of children’s services, said:

 

“I am proud and privileged to have led children's services in Dudley. I have worked with a brilliant team and together we have made huge strides.

 

“I am moving on to a very exciting national role but I will really miss all the people I have worked with and got to know so well.”

 

Councillor Liz Walker, cabinet member for children's services, said:

 

“I am sorry to see John go after all the excellent work he has done in Dudley in taking education forward.

 

“He has done a fantastic job for children and young people in the borough, and he is leaving the service in excellent shape."