Commentary on Sections Local authority administration Section 18: Director of children’s services
100.The local authorities that are children’s services authorities for the purposes of this Act are currently required to appoint a chief education officer and a director of social services. Those requirements are removed when authorities exercise their power under this section to appoint a director of children's services and a director of adult social services. The Act makes it possible for local authorities to make these appointments and gives the Secretary of State a power to require them to do so by order at such time as he thinks appropriate.
101.The purposes for which the director of children’s services is appointed are local authority education functions (other than functions specified in relation to adults); social services functions for children; functions in relation to young persons leaving care; functions conferred on the authority under sections 10- 12 and 17 of this Act; any functions delegated to the authority by an NHS body under section 31 of the Health Act 1999, so far as relating to children; and any other function prescribed by the Secretary of State by regulations. The authority may include in the remit of the director of children’s services such additional functions as they consider appropriate (subsection (5)). Authorities are free, for example, to include adult education functions.
102.Directors of children’s services will also be expected to steer local co-operation arrangements in relation to children’s services. Further detail on the role and responsibilities of the director will be set out in guidance issued by the Secretary of State under subsection (7).
103.Subsection (8) allows two or more authorities to appoint jointly a director of children’s services. This would, for example allow adjoining authorities to reinforce arrangements for joint services.
104.Subsection (9) gives effect to Schedule 2.