Council to rely on contingency plan during hunt for new education chief

York Council has agreed to begin the recruitment for a new director of education, skills and children’s services when the post becomes vacant with the departure of Kevin Hall. He was appointed as the authority’s interim director, but will leave to become director of children’s services at East Riding Council.

The interim position was created following the departure of director of adults, children’s and education services Pete Dwyer in March when he became North Yorkshire County Council’s director of children services.

After Mr Dwyer left, York Council’s director of public health, Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, had adult care services added to his responsibilities, while Mr Hall was appointed interim director of education, skills and children’s services.

York Council’s chief executive, Kersten England, confirmed that the authority will be putting short-term cover arrangements in place ahead of the post being advertised before the end of this month.

While the exact salary has yet to be confirmed for a new permanent director of education, skills and children’s services, it will be more than £100,000.

The council’s cabinet approved proposals to recruit for the permanent post on October 1 before the decision was rubber-stamped by members at a full council meeting on Thursday evening.

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