**Pembrokeshire Council to Appoint Senior Children’s Services Officer on Salary of Up to £101,000**
Pembrokeshire County Council has announced plans to recruit a new Head of Children’s Services, a pivotal role within the local authority, with a proposed salary package that could reach just over £100,000. This decision follows the departure of the previous postholder, Darren Mutter, who has left to pursue another position elsewhere within the public sector.
At a specially convened council meeting on 7 August, local councillors were called upon to consider and approve the initiation of recruitment for this high-level officer role. The council’s chief executive has been given the responsibility to finalise salary details and assemble a suitable benefits package for the successful applicant.
The new Head of Children’s Services will be offered a salary between £91,884 and £100,867. The role also comes with a £6,494 car lease allowance and payment for one annual membership to a professional body, reflecting the demands and expertise required for the position. According to council leader Jon Harvey, the Welsh Government sets £100,000 as the benchmark level at which full council should have the opportunity to scrutinise and vote on proposed executive salary packages.
This move underscores the increasing challenge local authorities face in filling senior posts that command both strategic oversight and day-to-day management responsibilities. Pembrokeshire Council, in following the recommended guidelines set by the Welsh Government, aims for transparency and accountability in hiring decisions that involve substantial salary commitments.
The job description for the incoming officer is both broad and demanding. The successful candidate will be expected to spearhead the modernisation of children’s services locally, with a focus on early intervention and preventative approaches to safeguarding. In addition to operational responsibilities, the officer will play a central role in shaping the council’s overall strategic approach, working closely with other heads of service, corporate directors, and the chief executive.
A particular emphasis has been placed on ensuring that “children’s voices” are central to all aspects of the department’s work. The next Head of Children’s Services will be pivotal in championing these perspectives, with their insights feeding into the council’s policies and practices on outcomes and support available to young people and their families.
The council’s rationale for the generous salary reflects both the level of responsibility involved and the competitive nature of recruiting experienced professionals to such posts. In recent years, local authorities across Wales and the UK have faced criticism over six-figure salaries, particularly at a time when public sector budgets are under considerable strain. However, proponents argue that strong leadership is essential to tackle demanding social challenges, especially in children’s safeguarding and welfare.
During the recent meeting, councillors expressed consensus on the crucial nature of the appointment. The recommendation to proceed with recruitment was supported unanimously, signalling a shared commitment to prioritising children’s services in Pembrokeshire.
Despite the challenges posed by budgetary constraints, Pembrokeshire Council’s approach reflects a broader trend within local government: balancing the need for fiscal restraint with the imperative to recruit skilled and visionary leaders capable of steering essential services. The community will be keenly watching the recruitment process, conscious of the impact effective leadership can have on vulnerable children and families across the county.
As Pembrokeshire Council embarks on the search for their new Head of Children’s Services, the spotlight remains fixed on both transparency in high-level council appointments and the ongoing commitment to the well-being of Pembrokeshire’s youngest residents.