New interim Executive Director appointed for Salford Children’s Services

A new interim Executive Director for Salford Children’s Services has been appointed, hoping to champion the young people of the city.

The new appointment by the Salford City Council will see Becky Bibby take the position of the new interim Executive Director for Children’s Services.

Bibby will be taking over the role from Melissa Caslake, who vacated the role, and begin under the new role from today (Monday 3 February).

The position will see Bibby focus on working with and supporting young children around Salford – and will be continuing on from her work within the council.

Becky joined Salford City Council in 2009 as an Education and Childcare Strategy Manager for Children’s Services Early Years.

Following her work, she became Head of Service for Starting Life Well and Helping Families, before taking her current role as Director for Early Help and School Readiness.

She said: “This is a huge honour to be taking up this position and working to support and champion the needs of Salford’s children and young people.

“I am committed to building on the great work we have already developed across the service.”

Becky has also been an integral part of the management team which received a successful OFSTED inspection, with the service being rated as ‘good’ with ‘outstanding’ leadership and care leaver support.

Melissa Caslake, Interim Chief Executive at Salford City Council added: “Becky has a great affinity with the council, the city and its children and young people. with over 15 years of experience and service to our city.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge to the position and an understanding of the continued work required to deliver quality services to our children and young people as well as the challenges the service faces.”

The development and progress towards children’s services will see Bibby directing her attention to helping achieve a UNICEF Child Friendly City status for Salford.

The prestigious accreditation will mean that voices, needs, priorities and rights of children are an integral part of public policies, programmes and decisions.

The achieved accreditation status takes three to four years to gain, but is formal recognition of the positive way a city treats its children and young people.

And the council have already made significant moves to this status, with the development of a Literacy Hub, bringing a Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Little Hulton, and the soon to be completed Salford Youth Zone.

And following the appointment Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett said: “I’m delighted to welcome Becky into this role.

“Since joining Salford City Council, she has worked tirelessly to champion the needs of children and young people, with a focus on support for early intervention and prevention for children, young people, and families.”