Published Date: Mar 8th, 2024
Fife Council has appointed James Ross, currently Senior Service Manager at Dundee City Council, as Head of Service for Children, Families & Justice. Starting in post from May, he will also hold the statutory role of Chief Social Work Officer.
Cllr Graeme Downie, the council’s spokesperson for health who chaired the appointment committee, said: “This is a vital role as Fife Council reshapes services to make sure all Fifers have the opportunities in life they deserve.
"The panel were impressed with all the candidates that came through the selection process and I’m delighted James Ross has accepted the Head of Service position.
“James demonstrated great commitment to tackling social injustice and making a positive difference to the lives of children, families, and communities in most need of support, and I look forward to working with him."
This will be a return to Fife for Mr Ross who previously worked in the council’s Children & Families team between 2006 and May 2023. Since starting his career in youth work services, he has held a variety of social work roles, including residential, child protection, and permanent placement work. He has extensive experience of working directly with children, families and communities, as well as operational and strategic management.
Mr Ross said: “It’s an honour to take on this role and the duty of care that comes with it. I look forward to re-joining the Fife team and working with everyone to develop services that help children, families and communities thrive.”
The Head of Service for Children, Families & Justice has responsibility for:
- Statutory duties and responsibilities as Chief Social Work Officer
- Justice services
- Children and families social work services
- Fostering, adoption and kinship care
- Family support services
- Care leavers
- Youth justice
- Residential care provision
- Strategic commissioning
Separately, the council is also seeking to appoint an Executive Director of Education.