Director of Children's Services post announced in North Northamptonshire

22 March 2022

North Northamptonshire Council has appointed AnnMarie Dodds as the new director of Children’s Services at the authority.

AnnMarie had been filling the role in an interim capacity since the previous director, Cathi Hadley, left the authority in January.

Prior to this, AnnMarie had been the assistant director of Children Services at the council. She has a wealth of experience in Children’s Services and has performed the role of DCS prior to her time here at North Northamptonshire. 

I’m delighted and immensely proud to have been chosen as the permanent DCS in North Northamptonshire. I have been inspired by the energy and the drive from the workforce and the partners to deliver excellent services for children across North Northamptonshire. I look forward to continuing the good work which is underway to improve the whole of Children’s Services. I will be part of an enthusiastic and passionate team which is dedicated to making life better for all of our children.AnnMarie Dodds, director of Children’s Services

I welcome AnnMarie to a permanent position with the corporate leadership team and look forward to working with her on further improving life chances for all of the children and young people in North Northamptonshire. She has already made a significant impact since she started at the authority and she richly deserves her new role.Rob Bridge, chief executive

We welcome AnnMarie into this new role. She has been acting as an interim for the past two months and has clearly demonstrated that she is right for the job.

Children’s Services in the county has been on an incredible improvement journey over the past few years and recent Ofsted monitoring inspections show that real progress is being made.Cllr Scott Edwards, the council’s Executive member for Children, Families, Education and Skills

Keeping children safe and improving life chances for young people is one of our key priorities at the council and I welcome AnnMarie into this new role. I’m confident that she is the right choice to build on the progress that’s already been made.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council