Deborah’s the director – regional role for Wigan children’s chief

One of Wigan Council’s leading lights in Children and Young People’s Services is all set for a major regional role with Whitehall.

Deputy Director of Children and Young People's Services (CYPS), Deborah Brownlee has just been appointed as Director of Children and Learners for Government Office North West.

Salford-born Deborah will be the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ main representative in the North West and will work with all local authorities to help drive up educational standards for children and learners.

Deborah started her local government career more than 20 years ago as a careers adviser and moved to Wigan in 1998.

She was appointed as Wigan’s deputy CYPS chief last year and before this she was chief executive of the borough’s Positive Futures organisation with responsibility for the youth service, education welfare, adult guidance and Connexions.

Her new role will see her act as the senior advocate for government education policies in the North West and she will work with a range of partners to promote excellence in education for all.

Deborah says:

“Whilst I am very excited at the prospect of taking on my new challenge, I am also sad to be leaving Wigan. I have learnt a lot in Wigan and thoroughly enjoyed my years here. The children and young people of Wigan are a joy to work for and I feel privileged to have worked with many wonderful colleagues within Wigan's Children and Young People's Services and throughout the council. I know my experience in Wigan will stand me in good stead in my new regional role.

While Wigan Council’s Director of Children and Young People’s Services Nick Hudson says:

“Deborah has been a fantastic asset to the department and the council and real champion for children in our borough during her time here.

“Clearly Wigan’s loss is the region’s gain and while we are sorry to see someone as talented and dedicated as Deborah move on, we are delighted that she has managed to secure such a high-profile role influencing children’s issues across the North West.

“We’d like to think that Deborah’s time in Wigan has played a big part in her success and we’re fairly sure that we will still be in regular contact with her as part of her new job.”