Jo is an experienced Director in Children’s Services with a demonstrated track record of service transformation and working across organisational boundaries. Jo was appointed as Executive Director of Hertfordshire Children’s Services in September 2021 having spent the previous three years as the council’s Operations Director for Children and Young People.
Jo has led key transformation work in Hertfordshire, including the SEND Strategy and the Domestic Abuse and VAWG programme, working closely with schools and colleagues in health and the police as well as parent-carer groups and district councils. Prior to joining Hertfordshire, Jo worked for 11 years in Luton Borough Council and spent 6 years there as Assistant Children’s Director leading on Prevention and Early Intervention and SEND. She spent her earlier career working in London Boroughs as a social worker.
Jo is a strong champion for children and young people and of making sure that they get the right help at the right time. She is committed to building ‘what works’ into more integrated support for children and families, with a focus on help at the earliest point and in order to prevent spiralling difficulties.