SURREY County Council is to keep control of its struggling children’s services after a government-appointed commissioner praised the work of the new director, writes Local Democracy Reporter Rebecca Curley.

Trevor Doughty was sent in as a non-executive commissioner after Surrey received a second inadequate Ofsted rating for its children’s services in May this year.

From June to September he evaluated the work carried out as part of an improvement plan for children’s social care, and in a report for the secretary of state said ‘no alternative delivery model’ was needed at this early stage – but the commissioner should still have oversight of the council for a further 12 months.

Dave Hill was appointed director of children’s services by Surrey’s new chief executive Joanna Killian just as the Ofsted report came out identifying “serious failings”.

In his report, Mr Doughty said Mr Hill came with a ‘proven track record in bringing about significant improvements’ to children’s services and that he and Ms Killian recognise ‘the challenge of the task.’

But he warned there was: “A danger of over-reliance on these two individuals, when the contribution of other system leaders is critical”.

Although recommending to the minister Surrey CC retained control of children’s services, Mr Doughty, director of children’s services for Cornwall County Council, stressed the need for a further six-month and 12-month review and that ‘commissioner oversight’ should continue.

During his review, Mr Doughty met with staff, families and children and found ‘widespread and long-standing’ problems with under performance of Surrey’s children’s services going back ten years.

He also reported a ‘denial’ within the council to acknowledge the risks to children of ‘failing to provide effective services,’ and said Surrey had been ‘reluctant in the past to look outside the authority for assistance.’

A Surrey County Council spokesman said the authority welcomed the report. 

He said: “We know there is still a lot to do but are pleased the commissioner has recognised the strong leadership we have in place and the changes we’re starting to make.”