Head of children’s services at Herefordshire Council quits

Herefordshire Council’s director for children and young people services Darryl has quit “with immediate effect”, the council has said.

Mr Freeman joined the council in September 2021, overseeing what the council called “much needed improvements” following a negative court judgement on the department and critical evaluations by inspectors.

The council said the service “has seen the number of Herefordshire children in care reduce, families are now waiting less time for a referral outcome, and resources and support for the reunification of families has increased”.

The council’s chief executive Paul Walker paid tribute to Mr Freeman, saying: “Darryl has diligently led our children’s services day-to-day while steering significant service transformation.

“I thank him for his efforts and professionalism during what has been an extremely challenging time.”

The council says it has made interim management arrangements while it embarks on selecting and appointing a new director for children and young people services.

The report of a recent Ofsted monitoring visit to the department in expected to be published imminently.

More to follow.