Jon Rouse, Chief Executive

We are committed to making Stoke-on-Trent a place where all residents can feel safe, supported and proud - but we know families are stretched, and we are now the council with the highest proportional number of children in care in England. We are determined to change this.

We are building capacity within our children and family services team, taking a new direction in how we deliver services. We are focusing on prevention, reducing the number of those that come into contact with statutory services, and achieving permanency and stability for those that need our support.

We have made a start through our strong partner relationships with organisations and community groups, providing more co-produced methods of service. A recent report also highlighted the success of our pioneering programme, Family Matters. But we recognise that there is still much more to do. That is where you can be part of our journey. We need a different culture, not only for ourselves but also for the partnerships our families depend on.

This critical role will work across all directorates, our partners and communities, reporting directly to the Corporate Director of Children and Families.  We want all young people in Stoke-on-Trent to have the best possible start in life, the best education and the best life chances. They should be safe, healthy, nurtured and loved. Children and young people are our number one priority, and we need every adult in Stoke-on-Trent to care passionately and express that through relationships, community and business life.

This is an exciting time for Stoke-on-Trent and a great time to join the city council.

-Jon Rouse, Chief Executive