Ex-head of Rotherham children’s services leaves Australian job

THE WOMAN in charge of children’s services in Rotherham during part of the grooming scandal is to leave her new job in Australia.
Cats may be affected by noises.Cats may be affected by noises.
Cats may be affected by noises.

Dr Sonia Sharp - who was director of children’s services in Rotherham between 2005 and 2008 and then held a similar post with Sheffield Council for four years - is now ‘seeking opportunities outside of Government’.

It follows a review of her recruitment being carried out by the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner in Australia.

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The review did not look at Dr Sharp’s role in the child protection failings at Rotherham.

She had been moved from her job as deputy secretary of early childhood and school education in Victoria after the child sexual exploitation scandal was revealed last year while the review was carried out.

Dr Sharp had been moved to a different role in the state’s department of health and human services while a decision was made on her future.

The review has now concluded there was no problem with Dr Sharp’s recruitment and that no ‘specific matter’ was uncovered to suggest Dr Sharp’s continued employment was ‘incompatible with the maintenance of the high standards of integrity and conduct required in the public sector in Victoria’.

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But despite the findings of the report, which has not been made public in full, Dr Sharp is now due to leave the Victorian government.

Special Minister of State, Gavin Jennings said: “The Government makes no apology for raising these issues nor for seeking a thorough investigation after these very serious issues came to light. I am advised that Dr Sharp is now seeking opportunities outside of government and I wish her well.”