A social worker with a track record in delivering outstanding children’s services has been appointed to take over the role of corporate director for children and young people.
North Yorkshire has leading edge children’s services and achieved an outstanding rating from Ofsted in both its most recent inspections.
El Mayhew, who is currently director of children and families at Hertfordshire County Council, has played a pivotal role in their journey to achieve an outstanding Ofsted judgement, will join us early in the new year.
Passionate about tackling inequalities and securing great outcomes for children, young people and their families, El brings a wealth of experience beginning her career supporting children with additional needs and children cared for in children’s homes before qualifying as asocial worker 26 years ago.
She has progressed through senior leadership roles across children’s services in various local authorities, including large and rural counties like North Yorkshire. Among the recent achievements she’s most proud of are:
- Leading children’s social care services from good to outstanding.
- Expanding Hertfordshire’s social work model to help more children safely return to their families.
- Supporting the rollout of the ICON programme across Hertfordshire helping parents and preventing harm to babies.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “El brings with her valuable experience and passion to lead children’s services and is deeply committed to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
“North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. “We welcome El and are confident she will help deliver on our ambitions for every child and young person to have the very best start in life.”
Looking forward to her new role, El said: “I’m excited by the opportunities ahead to build on strong partnerships and practice and to unlock even better ways of tackling inequality and delivering great outcomes for children and young people through the ambition and structure of the new council and as we navigate forthcoming national reforms.
“I’m looking forward to listening to what children and young people say they need to thrive, and working closely with teams, communities, schools and partners to help shape our priorities in North Yorkshire.”
She added: “I want North Yorkshire to be the best place for children, families and young people to live and grow up.”
Executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “I would like to congratulate El on her appointment following a rigorous recruitment and interview process.
“I look forward to working closely with her to ensure that a service already rated ‘outstanding’ continues to grow and excel even further, delivering the very best for children and families in North Yorkshire.”
Chief executive, Richard Flinton, said: “We are delighted to welcome El to North Yorkshire Council.
“Not only does she bring extensive knowledge and experience to the position, but also 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.”
El will take over the role following the departure of Sir Stuart Carlton who led children’s service at North Yorkshire Council for eight years.