Ed Balls appoints Peter Lewis as new Haringey children’s director

    Children’s secretary Ed Balls has directed Haringey Council to appoint Peter Lewis (right) as its new director of children’s services.

    Lewis, currently director of children’s services at Enfield Council, also in London, will take up his post on 1 January, 2009 and he has been appointed for three years.

    Balls used powers under the Education Act 1996 and Children Act 2004 to remove Sharon Shoesmith from the DCS role at Haringey, following this month’s damning joint area review of safeguarding in the borough, which was sparked by the Baby P case.

    Shoesmith was later sacked by the council.

    After removing her, Balls installed Hampshire Council director of children’s services John Coughlan as interim director at Haringey, and said he would direct a permanent replacement for Shoesmith, with effect from 1 January.


    Balls said: “Peter Lewis has great experience and an excellent reputation. I am confident that he will provide the strong leadership which is needed to improve outcomes for children and young people in Haringey.”

    He said he would ask Lewis to report to him every month on his progress.

    Lewis said: “I do not underestimate the challenges associated with taking on this role but I believe we can build a strong team at Haringey and deliver better lives for local children and young people.”

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