A NEW director of children’s services has been appointed by Oxfordshire County Council, and could be paid up to £147,000 a year.

Kevin Gordon comes to Oxfordshire from Hammersmith and Fulham Council, where he is an assistant director in children’s services. He is scheduled to begin his new role in the summer.

A statement from the county council said Mr Gordon is a trained social worker.

An online job advert posted on the Municipal Journal on February 24, a magazine for local government, offered between £117,000 and £147,000 for his role.

Mr Gordon said: “These are unprecedented times for everyone, with particular challenges for families. Part of my role will be to support staff and partners across all settings, who are continuing to deliver vital services to Oxfordshire’s children and young people.”

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Kevin has vast experience across many organisations in children’s services, particularly regarding service transformation.

"He is passionate about preventative services, which are important to support those who need our assistance.”

Mr Gordon's appointment was discussed during a meeting of the county council's remuneration panel on April 22.

The job has a history of responsibility for Operation Bullfinch, a joint effort between Thames Valley Police and OCC to deal with child abuse and grooming in Oxfordshire.