Our Leadership

Harmesh Bhogal, Director of Children’s Services

26 years on from qualifying, I remain absolutely committed to improving outcomes for children and families. I am a proud to be a Social Worker as I have, and continue to have, the privilege to support families to make positive change. I believe that the vast majority of families, with the right support, have the ability to meet their children’s needs and it is up to leaders like me to ensure that we develop and support the conditions in which best practice can flourish; as that is what really makes a difference to children and their families.

Martin Purbick, Executive Director of Children, Education and Families

Even as a child at school I knew I wanted to work with families. I did my work experience in a Local Authority Social Services department and the people I met and the families I worked with inspired me to continue that pathway. Children and their families are at the heart of everything we do and I am proud of the way we co-produce so much of our work with them.

Helen Lincoln, Social Worker (BA Hons) and CQSW

Helen is a qualified Social Worker and holds a combined Degree (BA Hons) and CQSW.  On qualifying, she worked for Leicestershire County Council where she undertook a range of social work and managerial roles before moving to similar positions in London Boroughs. Helen is Chair of the ADCS Families, Communities & Young People Policy Committee (FCYP). Regionally, Helen is the Chair of East Region Sector Led Improvement Group.

Jo Fisher, Executive Director for Children’s Services and Schools

An experienced and qualified Social Worker, Jo worked in a variety of senior management positions spanning homelessness, early years, education, and social work services in London before moving to work in Luton in 2006. Here, as Assistant Director for Children’s Services (Early Help and Family Support), Jo led a broad range of services including family centres, early help and social work, SEND and disabled children’s family services, youth services and youth justice; and in 2019 moved to Hertfordshire as Director for Services for Children and Young People.

Dheeraj Chibber, Corporate Director Children, Families and Education

My first experience of social care came working in India, 1998. After moving to the UK, I completed my Social Work degree and later a Masters in Leadership and Management. I am honored to be the Corporate Director for Children, Families and Education in Luton.

From teaching parents about the harmful effects of Polio, to enhancing learning and safe spaces across a number of UK authorities, I have remained passionate about forming relationships and using a motivational and appreciative approach to practice.

Sara Tough, Executive Director of Children's Services

I started my career as a Social Worker in 1983. I grew up in London in a mixed heritage family and multicultural community, which I feel sure shaped my sense of social conscience and my professional path. I have worked in senior/chief officer roles across four local authorities and two independent organisations. I know how tough and rewarding the job can be.

John Gregg, Executive Director Children and Young People's Service

Growing up, both my parents worked in the public sector, which I have no doubt shaped my values and ethics, as well as my career path. I qualified as a social worker 28 years ago and have worked in most areas of Children’s Services having started my career working directly with children and families.

My focus is on developing the skills of our Children’s Services team and attracting new talent into Peterborough where we embed our values in everyone’s working environment.

Michael Marks, Director of Children’s Services

I have worked with children and young people for over 25 years, initially as a Youth Worker and then as a senior leader in Education and most recently as a Director of Children’s Services. I joined Southend-on-Sea City Council in January 2020 as their Executive Director for Children and Public Health including the statutory DCS role and currently focus is the improvement work in Children’s Social Care. We are on an exciting journey have a committed staff team who are working hard to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Sarah-Jane Smedmor, Executive Director for Children and Young People Services

I started as a residential children’s practitioner back in 1996 and then as a Children’s Social Worker – passionate about permanency planning for all children. As a mother of two girls, I’m driven to make sure the service we all provide is the very best for our young people. I want every single child in Suffolk to be loved, to enjoy their childhood and have the best possible start in life, to live their best life and ultimately to succeed.

Sheila Murphy, Corporate Director of Children’s Services

Having grown up in an Inner London Borough and witnessing social injustice on a regular basis, I wanted to make a difference for disadvantaged children.  After completing my Degree, I started working in a children’s residential home and moved on to working in youth justice before qualifying as a Social Worker. Since qualifying as a Social Worker I’ve been able to work in front line, covering all areas of children’s social work.

Andrew Bunyan, LGA Children’s Improvement Adviser for the East of England and East Midlands

Andrew Bunyan has extensive operational and strategic management experience covering all aspects of children’s services, including over 7 years’ experience as a Director of Children’s Services and as a local authority Deputy Chief Executive. Andrew is the LGA Children’s Improvement Adviser for the East of England and East Midlands and also works as a research associate with Isos Partnership on national research projects focusing on identifying how best to support improvement in local children’s social care services.