Strategic Director of Children and Education Services, Manchester City Council

Why did you get into social care?

Being a Social Worker was my chosen childhood career… no specific reason. 

What are the major challenges LAs face these days?

Impact of austerity and the impact of this on families’ day to day lives and the rising costs of caring for ‘our children’ (looked after).

How do you address these problems at Manchester?

In Manchester we are working hard to build a stable, confident and research informed staff group who have manageable workloads so they have the time and space to purposefully engage with children and their families; reducing the need for a statutory service and more effective commissioning and market management in respect of placements and costs.

Major achievement?

I am not sure I can answer this…but I can say I am proud of my 3 children; who remind me every day of how fortunate I am and what is really important.

Worst job you’ve ever had?

As a 14 year old boy, riding his bike 10 miles to pick tomatoes for 20p a crate.  I lasted 1 day. 

What car do you drive?

VW Golf.

Top holiday destination

Italy

Desert Island essential

My family and music collection (although I am not sure my family would stay with me)

Favourite book

An Ordinary Man, Paul Rusesabagina

Interests outside work

Work (!), family, dog, sport and music

Pet hates

I have a few but messiness would be top.

Top TV programme

Stranger Things

Favourite joke

How do you get Pikachu on a bus? Pokemon