Biography

I am married with a son and a daughter and until taking early retirement in 2009, worked for 32 years in the local steel industry most of which was in a management capacity. I was educated at Thrybergh Comprehensive School and have lived in the area for most of my life. I have represented the Valley area of Rotherham as a Borough Councillor since 1999.

As your councillor, my priorities have been to help regenerate and raise the profile of Rotherham and in particular the Valley area – to make it a vibrant, safe and prosperous place where everyone has the same equality of opportunity.

During my time on the Council I have served on various scrutiny panels, Planning and Licensing board, been chair of the Wentworth South Area Assembly and until May 2011 was Vice Chair of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue authority.

My current role is Cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families Services.  In this role, I oversee the provision of education and social care to children and young people in Rotherham .  I make sure that scarce resources are spent wisely to ensure that our children are safe and we get the best outcomes for them. In my role, I am also Chair of the Children Young People and Families Strategic Partnership (formally the Children’s Trust Board), member of Rotherham Safeguarding Children’s Board and a member of the Health and Well-being Board. I also represent Rotherham on the Local Government Association Children’s and Young People’s Board, and chair of the Yorkshire and Humber regional network for lead members of children’s services, all of which are working to reshape and improve services to children and young people.

As well as my council responsibilities, I am chair of governors at Dalton Foljambe Primary School and Thrybergh School and Sports College . I am also a councillor on Dalton Parish council, a position I have held for over 18 years, including three years as Chairman.

My surgeries

Thrybergh Parish Hall – Monday 12 May – 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm

Dalton Parish Hall – Monday 19 May – 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm

Committee and meeting information

Further information on this councillor can also be accessed via the link below specifically relating to personal/prejudicial declarations at meetings, special responsibilities, committee appointments, terms of office, and appointments to outside bodies.