​​​​​​​New Chief Executive for Birmingham Children’s Trust

After a national recruitment search, James Thomas, currently Director of Children’s Services in Tower Hamlets, has been appointed Chief Executive of Birmingham Children’s Trust, replacing Andy Couldrick who is retiring as Chief Executive and taking on the role of Chair of Birmingham Children’s Trust Board.

James is an experienced Director with a strong track record leading children’s services in a number of different local authorities.

Andy Couldrick, current Chief Executive said:

“After a rigorous search, and from a strong field, I am delighted that James was successful. He was an outstanding candidate, and he has clear experience of delivering change and improvement in children’s services in different and complex environments and I have no doubt he will take Birmingham Children’s Trust on to further success. I look forward to working with him in my new role as Chair of the Trust Board.”

Cllr Karen McCarthy, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Birmingham City Council, said:

 “I was pleased to be part of the panel that interviewed James. He was exceptionally strong in the selection process, has great experience as a children’s services leader, and I have no doubt he will take up the reins of the Children’s Trust and move it forward into its next phase of improvement and development.”

 James Thomas said:

“I could not be more thrilled to be appointed as the next Chief Executive to deliver for Birmingham's children and families.  As a proud Social Worker and experienced strategic leader, I will seek to build on the strong foundations that Andy and his team have built, to deliver continual improvement for children's outcomes, and to take the Trust from strength to strength.”

James will join Birmingham Children’s Trust in December 2023.

ENDS

Any questions please contact Birmingham Children’s Trust Communications Manager, Lawrence Vos, on 07740 081457 or lawrence.vos@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk