Troubled council's top team reshuffled

Doncaster Council is currently being run by a chief executive who was appointed by the Department for Communities and Local Government after the authority was found to be seriously failing.

Rob Vincent was previously leader of Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire and has been given the task of turning the council around with his contract ending in December this year.

His new top team is made up of four directors, down from the previous six, and an additional "temporary director" to lead the council through what it has called its "current change programme".

Chris Pratt, who was drafted in from Trafford Council in Manchester to run the council's children's services department following a damning report into its running will remain in his post.

Mr Pratt has been tasked with sorting out a department which presided over the deaths of seven children known to social services and a horrifying attack on two boys carried out by two young brothers.

The former director of adult services Joan Beck will become director of adults and communities, while Peter Dale, who was director of development becomes director of regeneration and environment.

Simon Wiles, who has worked at York City Council, takes up a newly-created post which covers finance and corporate services, while Kay Leigh, will be given a two-year temporary post as director of change.

Mr Vincent said: "A solid and determined team driving an organisation forward is essential, particularly in the current climate.

"I believe this new streamlined team of directors supported by the chief executive and capable officers has the talent and ability to see the council through government intervention and the loss of significant budget."