North Northamptonshire Council appoints permanent Executive Director of Children’s Services

06 July 2026

North Northamptonshire Council has confirmed the permanent appointment of Cornelia Andrecut as its Executive Director of Children’s Services and Statutory Director of Children’s Services (DCS).

Cornelia joined the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team in July 2025 on a one-year secondment from Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT), where she served as Director of Children’s Social Care. Following a successful period in the role and after being selected through a competitive recruitment process, she has now been appointed permanently. 

The appointment provides continuity of leadership for Children’s Services and reflects the Council’s commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for children, young people and families across North Northamptonshire.

With more than 30 years of experience spanning nursing, teaching, social work, sector-led improvement and senior leadership roles, Cornelia has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and families. Her expertise in leading improvement programmes and developing high-performing services has earned recognition both regionally and nationally.

Since joining North Northamptonshire Council, Cornelia has worked closely with elected members, schools, partners and colleagues across the wider children's system to drive improvement and build on the strong foundations already in place. 

I am honoured to be appointed permanently as Executive Director of Children’s Services for North Northamptonshire. Having served in the role on secondment over the past year, it has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues, partners and communities who are united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of children and families. I am passionate about creating brighter futures for children and young people and about leading meaningful lasting change that makes a real difference to their lives. I am proud of everything we have achieved together and of the strong foundations we have built. I look forward to continuing our journey, working with our partners across the system to deliver the best possible outcomes and ensure every child in North Northamptonshire has the support and opportunities to thrive.Cornelia Andrecut

I am delighted that Cornelia has been appointed permanently to this crucial leadership role. Throughout her time with the Council, Cornelia has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision and an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Her unwavering commitment to Northamptonshire over almost 7 years has enabled her to build strong relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders, whilst maintaining a clear focus on delivering high-quality services and continuous improvement. I am delighted that we have been able to appoint someone of Cornelia’s calibre, experience and dedication, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with her as we deliver our ambitions for children, young people and families across North Northamptonshire.Adele Wylie, Chief Executive of North Northamptonshire Council

I am delighted that Cornelia has been appointed permanently as Executive Director of Children’s Services. Over the past year she has brought energy, insight and determination to the role, forging strong relationships and maintaining a clear focus on improving outcomes for children and families. Cornelia shares our ambition to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with her as we build on the progress already made.Councillor Elizabeth Wright, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Children, Families and Education

Cornelia’s permanent appointment reinforces the Council’s commitment to strong and stable leadership within Children’s Services and to continuing its improvement journey for the benefit of children, young people and families across North Northamptonshire.