A NEW director of children and young people’s services has been appointed at Durham County Council.

John Pearce is currently director of children, adults and health at South Tyneside Council and is vice chair of the regional Association of Directors of Children’s Services.

Since joining South Tyneside in 2016, Mr Pearce has led a sustained and significant programme of service development in children’s services focussing on improving outcomes.

He has worked closely to develop responsive, flexible and integrated services which meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.

He was also director of children, adults and wellbeing at Trafford Council, in Greater Manchester, and has worked at Buckinghamshire, Halton and Sefton councils.

Mr Pearce, who will take up his new role later this year, said: “I’m really looking forward to taking up the post.

“Durham is a high performing council where the foundations are already in place to deliver high quality services for children and young people. I’m really pleased to have the chance to help build on this work.”

Cllr Olwyn Gunn, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “John will bring a great deal of experience and expertise to the post of corporate director.”