THURROCK Council has appointed Tendai Dooley as its new Director of Children's Social Care and Early Help.

The council says her appointment will strengthen the borough's leadership for children, young people and families.  

Ms Dooley attended her first offical meeting of a council committee, the corporate parenting group, on Thursday, 4 September, but did not speak. She was not introduced to members.

The council has not issued details of where Ms Dooley is positioned within its salary organisation, and the post is not listed in its last published senior management structure.

However, it seems she sits somewhere between the Corporate Director of Children's Services, Sheila Murphy - who was paid more than £150,000 in the financial year betwen 2023 and 2024. Other 'intermediate' directors are paid at least £120,000.

The council says Ms Dooley will lead all statutory children's social care services alongside its 'Early Help offer', which provides practical support to families at the earliest opportunity.

It says: "Her remit covers safeguarding, assessment and intervention, looked-after children and care leavers, fostering and adoption, edge-of-care services, youth support, and targeted early help delivered with schools, health partners and the voluntary sector. " 

And a council asppointment statement says: "Ms Dooley brings over 24-years of experience in children's social care and leadership roles. She is a registered social worker and was registered general nurse in her early career. She has held senior roles in both local authority and private sector settings. In her most recent role, as Director Children's Social Care and Safeguarding at the London Borough of Sutton, she oversaw major improvements in safeguarding and Early Help.  

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"Ms Dooley is widely recognised for her commitment to child-centred practice, ensuring that the voices of children and young people directly shape and influence service design and delivery."

Speaking about her appointment, Ms Dooley said: "It's a privilege to join Thurrock and its outstanding Children's Service. I am excited to build on the progress already made and to work alongside staff, partners and our communities to deliver even stronger services.

"I'm passionate about working with families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. Together with our talented staff and partners, we'll build services that are responsive, compassionate and focused on making a lasting difference across Thurrock."

Council leader Cllr Lynn Worrall said: "Tendai was an exceptional candidate who brings with her a wealth of experience and passion. I am delighted to welcome her to our outstanding Children's Service as we look to deliver further progress on the vital work we do to support Thurrock's children and families."