Following the announcement about interventions in children’s services Children and Families services Minister, Edward Tim, said: “I am delighted that Eleanor Brazil has agreed to take on the role of Commissioner in Sandwell.  Eleanor has considerable experience of helping failing local authorities to improve, most recently in Slough, where her leadership led to the successful establishment of the Slough Children’s Services Trust."

“I want to see excellent child and family social work at the heart of the child protection system, and I am confident that Eleanor’s energy and innovative approach will kick start a much-needed improvement in Sandwell.”

Eleanor Brazil, Commissioner for Sandwell, said: “I am extremely pleased to be taking on the role of Commissioner in Sandwell.  I hope to work with the council to make sure that the children of Sandwell see a rapid improvement in the level of service they receive.

“I will be looking carefully at how alternative ways of delivering services might work in the local area to drive real and long-term change for the better.”