Hampshire's John Coughlan will support Haringey Council

Hampshire County Council has agreed a request from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Local Government Association for the Director of Children's Services in Hampshire, John Coughlan, to undertake a temporary role in support of the director in Haringey Council. This is pending the forthcoming child protection inquiries that follow the tragic death of 'Child P'.

The Leader and Chief Executive of Hampshire County Council agreed this request on the understanding that this is a supportive role which Hampshire is pleased to be able to offer to another local authority. We are sure people will understand that neither the Council nor John will offer any further comment."

John Coughlan – biography

John Coughlan has been Director of Children’s Services in Hampshire County Council since 2005. Previously he was Corporate Director of Social Care in Telford and Wrekin Council and Assistant Director for Children and Families in Dudley Council. His professional and managerial background was in Birmingham, primarily working with children in care.

Having been Chair of the Children and Families Committee of ADSS for two years,  he became that association’s last President in 2006, before becoming Joint President of the Association of Director’s of Children’s Services. He is also Chair of the Children’s Inter-Agency Group.

Among other roles he has been a member of the Beacon Panel and the Lifting the Burdens Taskforce. He holds a degree in English and Art History, a CQSW and MBA.