Stuart Collins has been appointed as the new corporate director of children, young people and education at Croydon Council. Stuart will take up his post from January 2025. This role, which incorporates the statutory director of children’s services, is central to the council’s work to protect and support the borough’s children and young people.

Stuart is joining Croydon from Devon County Council, bringing with him 30 years of experience in local authority children’s services. He has a strong track record of improving services, such as SEND and children’s social care – creating positive outcomes for children.

During his career, he has worked in several London boroughs, including Kingston, Camden, Barnet and Waltham Forest. Most recently he has been a director at Kent County Council before working at Devon.

Stuart said: “I’m delighted to be joining Croydon. I am passionate about leading children’s services to improve the life chances for children and young people. I look forward to sharing my experiences with Croydon colleagues, listening to and working with our social workers, schools, partners and local families.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “Croydon is proud to have the largest population of under-18s in any London borough. It is my priority to make sure that all our children and young people have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential. Also, that we are listening to them and giving them opportunities to shape the services we provide.

“We have made good progress against these aims under Debbie Jones’ experienced and compassionate leadership. I want to thank her on behalf of everyone at the council and our partners for her dedication to the borough’s children and young people. I look forward to welcoming Stuart to Croydon and working with him to further improve the service to our children and young people.”

Debbie Jones will be leaving Croydon after four years, during which Croydon has benefited from her years of experience in the leadership of children’s services. She has led Croydon’s children’s services through a programme of transformation and oversaw its latest Ofsted inspection.

Debbie said: “When I joined Croydon it was in a very different place – the borough was managing the challenges of Covid-19 and was right at the start of its journey to become financially sustainable. Staff in children’s services and across the council, together with partners, have done a fantastic job in responding to these challenges and made huge strides in transforming children’s social care. I am proud that we have put Croydon’s children and young people at the heart of all we do.”