Head of Children's Social Care 'proud' of new role

Newly appointed: Steve Garner will offically take his role in October

The new Head of Children’s Social Care, appointed by Rochdale Borough Council, has promised to help improve the livelihood of vulnerable children across the borough.

Steve Garner is currently Children’s Services Manager for Access and Support, and will take over from Steve Titcombe when he retires in October.

He will be responsible for services including child protection, children and family support, fostering, adoption and services for children in care.

Mr Garner has previously held the role of After Care Manager at Oldham Council, where he also chaired the Regional After Care Forum.

At Rochdale Borough Council Steve has worked with colleagues to oversee the introduction of a 24 hour accessible Child and Family Support Service, seen the Adoption Service and all Children’s Homes gain a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating and the Fostering Service achieving ‘Outstanding’.

He said: "I aim to lead children's social care to improve the outcomes achieved by all children in the borough, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable or who need extra help to achieve their potential.

“We have made great improvements over recent years, and I am proud to have been given this opportunity.”

Rochdale Borough Council’s Chief Executive Roger Ellis said added:

"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Garner. The safety and education of children is top of our agenda.

"His extensive experience and local knowledge in a number of different areas and disciplines is what is needed to drive these important agendas forward."

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families Portfolio added:

"Children's services in the borough are currently undergoing a transformation to ensure that we are delivering the right services, in the right way, at the right time to meet the needs of all our children and young people.

“Steve’s experience should certainly prove to be an asset as we strive to ensure services are working together to enable all children in our community to be healthy, achieve well and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

“His determination is matched by his passion that children should thrive across the borough and I'm sure he will motivate our team to even greater success."