Town Hall chief leaving

WARRINGTON Borough Council’s community services chief is leaving the authority.
Helen Sumner, (pictured) strategic director for community services, will step down at the end of March.
A council spokeswoman said: “Recent proposals to restructure the council have provided Helen with a timely opportunity to review her future plans.
“As a result, she has decided to step aside from the council to make a contribution in a new and different way to the services she feels passionately about.”
Diana Terris, the council’s chief executive, said: “I would like to thank Helen for the leadership she has shown, within the council and specifically in the community services directorate, which has clearly contributed to Warrington being recognised as an excellent council.
“More importantly, Helen’s achievements have directly benefited the health and wellbeing of residents in our communities by delivering high-quality services. I wish Helen all the very best for the future.”
During Ms Sumner’s period at Warrington, the council’s adult social care service – part of community services – was awarded a three star rating – the highest possible – by the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate, following the annual performance assessment.
Warrington was commended for its strong political and managerial leadership and high quality of services which had resulted in improved outcomes for local people.
In an emailed circular to shocked staff Ms Sumner said: “Since becoming Strategic Director Community Services and the Director of Adult Social Services in April 2005, I have been delighted to lead the Directorate to excellent performance across all of its constituent services.
“Examples include: the increase from one to three stars rating for Adult Social Care, the increase from two to three stars rating for Cultural Services, four star rating for Housing Services, Beacon status for Dignity in Care and numerous other examples of service awards, national recognition and improved service quality across the board
“I have done this though a teamwork approach and a leadership style which has involved committed and motivated staff being supported to make my Directorate the success it has become. I am very proud of our record.
“In the light of these significant achievements, and of the proposed council restructure, I have been giving detailed consideration of my future. I have decided that the time is now right for me to step aside from WBC to give careful thought to how I can make a contribution in a new and different way to the service about which I remain passionate.”
A number of senior officers have left the council in recent months, including former finance chief John Hayes and former head of the legal team Cecilia Wraith.