Chief executives Allerdale BC's interim chief executive has been appointed to the role on a permanent basis. Executive member for policy, governance and people resources, Cllr Marion Fitzgerald, said Andrew Seekings had proved himself to be a ‘hugely capable lead officer in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic'. Mr Seekings, who joined the council in May 2013 having previously worked at Sunderland City Council and in the voluntary sector, said: ‘I only wish my mum and dad were still around to see it and celebrate with me and my family.' Previous chief executive Ian Frost left the council in November after more than six years as chief executive. Directors Michael Coughlin has been appointed deputy chief executive at Surrey CC from his current post of execuitve director for transformation, partnerships and prosperty at the council after an internal restructure. Rachel Crossley will take on the role of interim execuitve director for strategy and commissioning, Marie Snelling will take on the role of interim executive director for communities and transformation. Liz Mills and Jacquie Burke will join the corporate leadership team as education lead and children's social care lead respectively. Croydon LBC's director of children, families and education, Robert Henderson, is leaving the council. He joined the authority in December 2018 from Richmond LBC and was previously at Kingston RLBC. Council leader Tony Newman said he had done an ‘outstanding job' and had been instrumental in achieving a ‘good' Ofsted rating. Chief executive Jo Negrini said: ‘He has achieved much in his time with us, and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication to Croydon. Mr Henderson said: ‘I've loved working in Croydon. It's a fantastic place, with a great and talented management team and some absolutely fantastic social workers, and education and early help staff, in the service' Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) has announced it is to appoint Susan Zeiss as monitoring officer. Ms Zeiss joins from the soon-to-be disbanded Northamptonshire CC where she served as general counsel for more than three years. She started her local government career at Dorset CC in 2003. She has also worked at a deputy director level in the Environment Agency. Chief executive of BCP Graham Farrant said: ‘I am confident that Susan's track record of delivering hands-on operational excellence in large complex organisations will prove invaluable as we continue our transformation within BCP Council.' She will take up her role in the autumn. Chair Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson has announced the appointment of Dame Christine Ryan as next chair of Ofsted. As former chief executive and chief inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate, Dame Christine has significant experience in the education sector. She replaces Professor Julius Weinberg and she will take up her new role at Ofsted from 1 August. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: ‘I am confident that alongside Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman, we have the right team to lead Ofsted in this crucial period as we work together to support schools, colleges, nurseries and local authorities to handle the impact of coronavirus.' Dame Christine Ryan said: ‘I am truly privileged to be invited to serve as chair of Ofsted and recognise the great personal responsibility this role brings. I will work tirelessly to support Ofsted in its essential duty of improving education and care for all our children and young people.' Leaders Cllr Lynn Williams has become the first female leader of Blackpool Council. She has been acting leader of the council since the resignation of Cllr Simon Blackburn pending an investigation into allegations over his behaviour. Cllr Paula Burdess was appointed deputy mayor, the first black woman to hold the office. Leader of Staffordshire CC, Philip Atkins, has stepped down after 11 years in the post, and five years before that as leader of the opposition. He has been a councillor since 1987. He said: ‘I am immensely proud of the fact that I leave Staffordshire CC in such a strong position, and financially stable, and I have every confidence that Staffordshire will continue to be innovative and transformational in its approach and take every opportunity that materialises.' Cllr Alan White has been elected as the new leader, while Cllr Philip White has been appointed deputy leader. The new leader said: ‘We face challenges ahead, the likes of which we have never seen in our lifetime. COVID-19, Brexit and climate change to name but three. ‘I am sure that through our energy, innovation and passion, the county council will play a leading role in finding the solutions to the challenges ahead.'
