​Director of Children’s Services announces retirement

Karen Dolton, Bury Council’s executive director for children and young people, has announced her plans to retire this autumn after three years in post.

Karen, 59, who has overall responsibility for the borough’s schools, early years provision and children’s social services, had originally planned to retire next month to coincide with her 60th birthday.

However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, she will continue in her role until the end of September as the borough continues to respond to the ongoing crisis, and executes plans for services to continue or return as lockdown eases.

The process of recruitment a new director of children’s services will begin immediately to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.

Karen, a graduate of Keele University, has had a long career within local authorities and the civil service, having spent time as an Ofsted inspector and as an assistant director of children’s services at Manchester City Council. She has previously held posts in Bury Council twice during her career.

She plans to spend her retirement travelling more – two of her three sons live abroad – and improving her piano playing and photography skills.

Karen said: “It has been a rewarding three years, and I have enjoyed meeting the challenges we’ve been set along the way. We’ve worked to build a fantastic team internally and have great relationships with our partners.

“Our response to the COVID-19 crisis shows what a position of strength the department is in, and our unyielding commitment to making things better for our children.”

Geoff Little, chief executive of Bury Council, said: “I would like to offer our grateful thanks to Karen for her leadership of children’s services over the past three years. Karen has helped us turn a corner in our relationships with leaders and under her guidance children’s safeguarding has also improved.

“Most impressive has been her ability to bring people together to deliver services that make a real difference to the lives of young people in our borough.

“It is typical of Karen’s professionalism and dedication to children that she has agreed to stay on until October to help us manage our response to COVID-19 and as we start recovery. We will be looking to recruit as soon as possible to ensure continuity in the direction of these vital services.”

ENDS

Issued: 1 June 2020.