Charlotte currently works at Salford City Council as Strategic Director for People, a directorate that includes Children's and Adult Services as well as Public Health.
Charlotte began her career as a social worker and held a range of management positions before joining Salford City Council in 2014 as Director of Children’s Services.
Charlotte has developed and led integrated multi-agency services for children and families involving close partnerships with all key organisations. She has also been responsible for statutory social work provision in two different authorities, both of which
have been judged “Good” by Ofsted. Charlotte is the Immediate Past President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services. In October 2020 Charlotte was awarded the OBE for services to Children’s Services.
Bradford Children and Families Trust is currently being set up to take on the running of children's social services and will have a single focus on children's care in Bradford District.
The decision to form a Trust was made in January 2022 in response to a report from Children's Commissioner Steve Walker. The Commissioner worked with the Council to establish the best way to improve children’s services following Ofsted’s inadequate rating in
2018.
Charlotte Ramsden OBE, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Bradford Children and Families Trust, said:
“I am delighted and deeply honoured to be offered the role of Chief Executive Officer for Bradford’s new Children and Families Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to build on the green shoots of progress made in children’s services and contribute to the
council’s ambition for Bradford District to be a great place to be a child. The new delivery model will offer greater flexibility and independence, but a strong partnership with the council will be crucial.
As Chief Executive my aim will be for the Trust to be a key contributor to a partnership system to deliver the best outcomes for and with children, young people and their families. I am looking forward to working with all staff, plus the Trust board and its
chair, to deliver the best services we can with the resources available. And I can’t wait to hear what advice Bradford’s children and young people have for us.
Eileen Milner, Chair of the Bradford Children and Families Trust, said:
“I am thrilled that Charlotte will be joining Bradford Children and Families Trust as our Chief Executive Officer. Charlotte will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, but most importantly she has a strong commitment to wanting the best services
possible for Bradford’s children, young people and families.
“Her appointment will help us drive the Trust’s goal of achieving improvements in services for the children and families of Bradford District.”
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said:
“I want to congratulate Charlotte on her appointment as the new Chief Executive of the Bradford Children’s and Families Trust. She has an impressive track record of success in delivering good services for young people. I look forward to working closely with
her and the Trust Board. Being the youngest city in the UK we want Bradford to be the best place for children and young people to grow up.”
Kersten England, Chief Executive of Bradford Council, said:
“I want to take this opportunity to welcome Charlotte to Bradford. With less than six months to go until launch, Charlotte’s appointment comes at an important point in the process. Her wealth of experience and knowledge will help us in the smooth transfer of
services and setup of the Trust.”