New Director of Children’s Services

Gail Hopper has been offered what is possibly one of the toughest Local Authority jobs in the country at the moment, Director of Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council.

Ms Hopper will take over from current Interim Director of Children’s Services, Gladys Rhodes White, who was brought in to sort out the seriously dysfunctioning department following the conviction of nine local men for sexually abusing young girls.

Rochdale Council Chief Executive Jim Taylor apologised to the victims of child sexual abuse after an independent report said the Council, during the tenure of former Chief Executive Roger Ellis, let down the victims.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Council said: “Gail Hopper has been offered the role of Director of Children’s Services. Subject to completion of background checks we are hoping she will be in post for 1 November.

"Gail is currently working in Children’s Services at Durham Council.

"The current director, Gladys Rhodes-White will continue to work for the Council in an advisory capacity until the end of the year.”