One of North Yorkshire Council’s most senior officers - Stuart Carlton - has spoken of his pride and paid tribute to his colleagues after being given a knighthood in the New Year Honours.
The council’s corporate director for the children and young people’s service has been awarded the honour for his work and dedication in a career spanning 35 years.
Mr Carlton, who joined the council in his current role in 2017, said he had been shocked but felt “extremely privileged” to be given the honour for services to children, young people and families.
He added: “I’m still in shock really, I just never expected that such a thing could happen. It’s a huge honour and I feel very humbled to receive it.
“Like all these awards, it’s built on a long career of service and the hard work and dedication of many other people that I have been truly privileged to work alongside. I thank each and every one of them.”
The citation for the award has highlighted Mr Carlton’s work both in North Yorkshire and on a national stage.
Mr Carlton played an integral role in North Yorkshire Council being the lead authority in the Strengthening Families, Protecting Children programme, which has since been rolled out nationally.
The programme is aimed at enabling children to stay at home in safe and stable family environments so that fewer young people need to be taken into care.
During his time with North Yorkshire Council, Mr Carlton has led the service to secure two consecutive “outstanding in all areas” reports from the inspection of local authority children’s services, the only area in the country to have achieved this.
He has also been on the national Association of Directors of Children’s Services for nine years, serving as an elected director and honorary treasurer.
And he has been a sector improvement lead for more than a decade in Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire, helping to support other local authorities to improve their services as well as advising the Department for Education.
Mr Carlton was also a member of the design team for the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care which led to significant policy and legislation change for the sector.
Shed workshop rejected partly due to archaeology concerns
Social football for ladies and girls promoted in Skipton
MP launches Small Business Awards in South Craven
Christmas tree farm in Steeton celebrates 40 year anniversary
Councillors told to decline allowances if they don't agree with increase
Leisure centre expansion to depend on council balancing finances
Apprentice winner helps to launch new Skipton Business
BGT finalist to headline Your Skipton stage at Christmas lights event
Warning over taxi drivers with criminal records getting licences from other authorities
Sales income means council-owned house builder is back in black
Anger as council refuses to issue key home-to-school transport maps
‘Buzzing Skipton’ workshop to improve town centre
Hundreds hit the trails for Sue Ryder at Run Bolton Abbey
Skipton named 5th best location for Christmas break
Christmas toy appeal launches to spread joy and sustainability
Ermysted’s honours war hero as Jack Petty’s medals go on display
Remembrance Day commemorations held to honour the fallen
Rishi Sunak MP criticised for non-attendance at council meetings
Electric ambulances trialled in North Yorkshire
Airedale issues A&E warning ahead of doctors' strike
