An assistant director in Norfolk County Council's children's services department, which is trying to turn around its fortunes after criticism from watchdogs, has left to join another authority.

Kevin Peers was appointed as interim assistant director for safeguarding in November last year, but has left Norfolk for pastures new.

Mr Peers has left the council to become director of children's services at West Sussex.

Sheila Lock, interim director of children's services, said: 'Kevin has been offered the post of director of children's services at West Sussex and I know that this is a role he really wants to undertake.

'In any event I was keen to bring all of our social work services under one assistant director and as Andrew Haley [head of safeguarding] has completed much of the work on understanding the front door of our services, it seems logical to ask him to now take on that broader role.

'I know that Kevin has very much enjoyed his time here and his work in helping us better understand looked after children has been invaluable.'

Mr Peers was appointed following the departure of Tom Savory. The former assistant director with responsibility for strategy and commissioning, resigned last year.

Ofsted inspectors last year criticised the way the council looks after vulnerable children and the support it gives to schools, which led to county MPs calling for a change in leadership.

That led to department head Lisa Christensen's resignation and the appointment of Ms Lock. She recently agreed to extend her stay in Norfolk until spring next year.