Lewisham council appoints new director for children and young people
By Grainne Cuffe, Local Democracy Reporter
Lewisham council has hired a new executive director for children and young people.
Pinaki Ghoshal will join the borough in June after resigning from his roles as director of children’s services and interim housing chief at Brighton and Hove city council.
Mr Ghoshal has worked for the city council for seven years in multiple roles, not without controversy.
The 57-year-old presided over children’s services during a home-to-school transport crisis last year when dozens of disabled pupils were left unable to get to school.
Parents complained of chaos after several contractors tasked with taking children to school pulled out just before the term began in September.
But supporters have described Mr Ghoshal as “moral and professional”.
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Tim McCarthy, chief executive of Aurora Academies Trust, tweeted: “Thank you for all that you have done for children and families in Brighton and for being supportive and challenging in equal measure.
“What has always stood out has been your moral code and professionalism.”
Another said “Brighton’s loss was Lewisham’s gain”.
Mr Ghoshal will replace Sara Williams, who resigned from Lewisham at the end of last year.
He said: “Lewisham has ambitious plans for the future and I’m really looking forward to ensuring there’s a continued focus on improving outcomes for all children, young people and their families.
“I’ll be keen to make a difference, particularly for those groups whose outcomes have not been as high as they deserve.”
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “I am delighted that Pinaki will soon be joining us at Lewisham.
“His experience at Brighton and Hove city council and background in BAME education attainment is a big boost in our work to give Lewisham’s children and young people the best start in life.
“Pinaki will lead on our work to improve our schools, protect our children and young people, and ensure our provision is inclusive.
The appointment comes after a management shake-up, in which four senior bosses were put at risk of redundancy.