Sue Harrison - Director of Children's Services

I am Sue Harrison, your Director of Children’s Services. I have a wonderful job as I am responsible for making sure that young people in Central Bedfordshire are supported by good quality services from the moment they are born until they reach adulthood. These services include Children’s Centres, youth work, schools and social work teams.

I have two grown up children. My son lives and works in Switzerland, and my daughter is studying for an English degree at Leeds University. My daughter had to spend a considerable amount of time in hospital as she was growing up, so I understand how for some young people there are additional challenges that are part of life. Overcoming these challenges is daily routine for some of you and I am committed to making sure that all children and young people have the best support to help you make the most of your individual talents.

I like to spend time talking with your social workers so that I can understand how they are helping you through challenging times. We always want to give you the best support possible. Listening to you is important as is explaining things clearly to you when there are changes ahead.

I meet with members of our Children in Care Council and talk to them about their time in care and how we can work together to improve services, this website is a good example of this and how I can support the important work they do. The website can be used as a way to share your experiences with the Children in Care Council and give feedback on the services you receive.

I hope that you will join in as many of the activities organised by the Children in Care council, and that you will support other young people through the work of the council. There are lots of exciting things going on, and as with most things in life, you will get out as much as you put in!

I would like to find out more from you and discover what you are most proud of as a young citizen of Central Bedfordshire. Perhaps you have questions for me or ideas of services you think I should go and visit. Perhaps you would like to tell me more about your experiences growing up here. You can contact me by email on sue.harrison@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk I am very interested in your views and hope I will meet you when I am visiting schools or at one of our events run by and for young people.