Title

PEOPLE

Commissioner appointed to take control of Northants' children's services

The Government has appointed a new commissioner to head up Northamptonshire CC’s struggling children’s services.

The Government has appointed a new commissioner to head up Northamptonshire CC's struggling children's services.

Andrew Christie, who was the head of children's services for the tri-borough area of Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster between 2011 and 2016, has taken on the role.

His predecessor Malcolm Newsam, who announced he would be leaving the role last month, took on the job after an Ofsted report in November found that people in the care of the council's children's services were at ‘potential risk'.

The Department for Education reiterated Ofsted's 2018 conclusion when announcing the appointment of Mr Christie, writing that ‘performance of children's social care services has significantly deteriorated'.

Clare Chamberlain, who worked with Mr Christie in London, has been appointed as support commissioner.

PEOPLE

Recognition for local government in New Year Honours list 2026

By Martin Ford | 02 January 2026

Council chief executives, directors and members have all received recognition from the King in the 2026 New Year Honours list.

PEOPLE

A landmark judgement for Sandwell's children and families

By Emma Taylor | 18 December 2025

Sandwell’s ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted is the result of sustained leadership, stronger partnerships and effective governance between the children’s trust and the...

PEOPLE

The next chapter for social care

By Cieran Donnelly | 18 December 2025

Cieran Donnelly reflects on 2025 and prepares for 2026 as the social care sector heads into a dramatic period of change.

PEOPLE

Tax referendum cap lifted for six councils

By Martin Ford | 17 December 2025

The council tax referendum cap will be temporarily removed for six authorities, the Government has announced today as part of the provisional local governmen...

Popular articles by William Eichler