Published Friday 27 July 2018 at 10:45
Jayne Ivory has started as new Director of Children’s Services at Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Jayne started her career 31 years ago as an assistant social worker at Lancashire County Council, before being given the chance to undertake a postgraduate diploma in social work at Lancaster University. She also gained her CQSW – the certificate and qualification in social work.
She then worked as a frontline social worker from 1992 to 1999 before becoming team manager in Blackpool and then joining the National Adoption Inspection Team working across the country.
Jayne then moved to Cumbria County Council as a service manager for cared for children before working at Wigan Council until the end of 2017 as assistant director of Children’s Services and then some short term work as director of quality and performance in Children’s Services in Sunderland.
Born in Darlington but brought up in Preston, Jayne lives in the Ribble Valley with her partner Alan and has two children, Lucy and Ben. She has two dogs, Lily and Ada, and also keeps a small flock of chickens.
Jayne said:
I am incredibly passionate about social work, and know the real difference that good social workers and excellent frontline practitioners can make to children and families.
I want to ensure that we work to the strengths of these partnerships and frontline practices so that all children’s outcomes are improved.
I have had a lovely welcome on my first day and I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone in what is clearly an ambitious, dedicated, friendly and inclusive borough.”
Linda Clegg, the previous Director of Children’s Services, is handing over the reins to Jayne over the next few weeks. She said:
I hope that Jayne’s tenure is as happy and successful as my own .Blackburn with Darwen is a very special place and I am sure Jayne will love being here.”