A COUNCIL boss who was responsible for the humanitarian response to the Grenfell disaster has been appointed to a top job at Bury Council

Sheila Durr has been named as the borough's new executive director for children and young people.

In her new role as head of Children's Services she will have overall responsibility for the borough’s schools, early years provision, children’s social services and child safeguarding.

Ms Durr will take over on September 30 from outgoing Karen Dolton, who has headed up the department for three years.

She said: "I’m excited to be taking on the challenge of leading children’s services for Bury at a time when children and families are in need of more support than ever.

“I know I am joining a great team as well as a strong partnership of education, health and community and voluntary organisations.”

Ms Durr is an experienced local government officer, originally from the North West, and has worked as a frontline children and families social worker since 1993.

During her career she has worked for several local authorities, including, most notably, in several London borough's.

At Kensington and Chelsea she was director of communities and people, and lead the response to the devastating 2017 fire at the Grenfell tower block.

She has also worked as child protection co-ordinator in Islington and at Tower Hamlets, and head of children and young people’s services at Hackney.

Moreover, Ms Durr established and chaired the London Adoption Board.

Most recently she has been a consultant for Surrey County Council working on their special educational needs provision.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Bury's cabinet member for children’s services, young people and skills, said: “Sheila is passionate about transforming the life chances of young people, and brings a huge range of skills and experience to Bury.

"I look forward to working with her to ensure that all our young people are given the best opportunities to fulfil their potential and ambitions.”

Geoff Little, chief executive of Bury Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sheila to the team.

"She has extensive experience in a wide range of children’s services, which will be invaluable as we continue to respond to the coronavirus crisis and ensure that all our young people are looked after and educated.”

He added: “I would like to thank Karen Dolton for her sterling work in leading the department and wish her well for the future on her retirement.”