Morris appointed chair of the children’s workforce development council

Former education secretary Estelle Morris has been appointed
chair of the Children’s Workforce Development Council,
writes Mithran Samuel.

Morris said she aims to achieve a cultural change in the status
of the children’s workforce, as the new chair of its major
training body.

She described her ambition as a “huge challenge”
which would require increased investment in training across social
care, childcare and early years.

Her appointment to the two-day-a-week job has been warmly
welcomed across the sector, with her influence in government and
her openness highlighted as key qualities.

Few believe she will be too close to government.

Daycare Trust chair Lisa Harker said: “I’m not in
the slightest bit worried about that. I think Estelle has proved
herself to be her own woman.”

Association of Directors of Education and Children’s
Services chair David Hawker said her clout with government would
help attract resources for the workforce.

“She’ll be able to use her friendships to good
effect. The CWDC will need high level champions,” he
added.

Morris said: “I’d not want the job if people thought
I had got it because I was an ex-minister…But I know how
government works and I think that will be important.”

Jane Haywood, currently head of the Department for Education and
Skills’ children and youth division, has been appointed chief
executive of the CWDC.