Children’s services leader in Greenwich awarded CBE in New Year Honours list

Florence Kroll, Greenwich council’s director for children’s services, has been awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to education in the New Year Honours list.

Ms Kroll has been a director in Greenwich since 2016, leading on the delivery of services and support for children, young people and their families.

Earlier this year, the service was deemed Outstanding by Ofsted, further reflecting children services’ hard work, care and efficiency.

Since qualifying as a social worker in 1991, Ms Kroll has worked in several councils and settings.

She has been involved in innovative projects to deal with some of the toughest issues facing young people and their families, such as teenage mental health and well-being, or looking for new ways to deal with domestic abuse.

She said: “I am very honoured to have been awarded a CBE. This is a reflection of all the hard work, care and compassion that staff in Greenwich show young people day in, day out. For me the true honour is being a part of a team that is so centred on improving the lives of children, and helping them get the best start in life

“There’s nothing I can think of more rewarding than that, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone in Royal Greenwich who help us achieve that goal.”

Councillor Adel Khaireh, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I’d like to congratulate Florence on this incredible honour. For nearly a decade she has shown strong leadership and an ambitious vision for every young person in our borough to reach their full potential.

“This unwavering commitment has made a real difference to the lives of countless young people and their families, and I am thrilled that Florence’s impact is being recognised not just in Greenwich, but beyond.

Debbie Warren, the council’s chief executive said: “Florence’s expertise and guidance has steered our children’s services to an Outstanding Ofsted report.

“She constantly looks to promote and champion diversity and inclusion. I have great admiration for Florence’s leadership and vision and I am proud she puts them to good use in Greenwich.”

Pictured top: Florence Kroll, left, is recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list (Picture: RB Greenwich)