Ennals to stand down as NCB chief executive

Sir Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children’s Bureau, will quit his role in Autumn it was announced today.

NCB chair Dame Gillian Pugh said Ennals indicated he wished to move on 18 months ago but he had been convinced to stay to help the NCB adapt to the new political and financial environment following the general election and the formation of the coalition government in May last year.

Ennals was one of the architects of the Every Child Matters programme under the previous Labour government. He was also influential in supporting the creation of the Sure Start programme. Under his leadership the NCB developed support networks around both residential care and disabled children and the centre for excellence and outcomes (C4EO).

Ennals said he would take time to choose his next role. “Working in the children’s sector all my professional life, I have put all my time and energy into the great jobs I have had. My next big job may be my last one, so I want to take the time to be sure that I make the right choice.”

Pugh said that although the departure of Ennals would leave a large hole, she was confident it could be filled. “We know that NCB’s reputation will ensure considerable interest from sector leaders wishing to take on this exciting role.”

Ennals will continue as the Chair of the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) until March 2012.

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