Praise for Northumberland County Council's outgoing head of children's services on retirement

Northumberland County Council's head of children's services has been praised for his service upon his retirement.

Service director for children's services Graham Reiter left the local authority on Friday, September 6. He has been in the role since 2022 following the resignation of Cath McEvoy-Carr who moved to Newcastle City Council.

Mr Reiter oversaw the Ofsted rating of his department improve from "good" to "outstanding" following a report earlier this year. Tributes were paid to the outgoing officer at Thursday's meeting of the council's family and children's services overview and scrutiny committee.

• Read more: Praise for Northumberland County Council's children's services team after outstanding Ofsted

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Chairman Coun Wayne Daley said: "Graham has been with the council for a number of years and he has had a significant impact on young people in our council area. He came in at a very difficult time and I want to put on record our thanks to him for what he has done for a lot of young people.

"You have been an exemplary officer and you will be missed. In a lot of meetings I have attended, you are very highly regarded, and that's very rare in children's services where there are sometimes a lot of axes to grind.

"I do want to put on record our sincere thanks for everything you have done. I hope you have a long and glorious retirement."

Labour's Coun Les Bowman, who represents the Holywell ward, added: "I had a big issue within my ward related to children, and I went to Graham to ask for help and support - and it came immediately.

"Seaton Delaval and Holywell now are a better place to live because of him."

Referencing the Ofsted report, Coun Bowman added: "What a way to leave. It's an amazing service that they do."

Mr Reiter's role will be taken up by Vicky McCloud, who officially joined the council on Thursday. Speaking at Thursday's meeting, she told councillors she was "looking forward" to working with them.