Sarah Nardone has been appointed as the Council’s new Corporate Director for Children and Education Services.
Sarah initially joined the Council in June last year as the Interim Director for Children’s Integrated Services, on secondment from our Improvement Partner, Lincolnshire County Council, where she served as Assistant Director for Children’s Services, leading on transformation and sector-led improvement, before taking on the role of Interim Corporate Director of Children and Education Services in December.
With nearly 25 years of experience in Children’s Services, Sarah qualified as a social worker in 2001 and has worked across a broad range of services. She has strong local knowledge, having previously worked in both Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire before moving to Lincolnshire County Council in 2014.
Beyond her extensive operational experience, through her active participation in the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, Sarah works alongside her peers to shape national policy and practice development, sitting on several national committees and working groups, and serving as a safeguarding trustee for a Multi-Academy Trust.
Sarah is deeply committed to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. She is particularly focused on positioning Nottingham City at the forefront of the upcoming Family Help Reforms (Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill) from April 2025. Through collaboration, innovation, and strong partnerships, she aims to build sustainable services that empower children and young people to thrive.
Sarah said: “I am delighted to officially introduce myself as the Corporate Director for Children and Education Services at Nottingham City Council.
“I feel incredibly privileged to now take on this position permanently, having been in the interim role since December. Across my career, and during my time in Nottingham, I have seen firsthand the incredible skill and passion that exists across our teams.
“Living and being brought up in Nottingham gives me a deep connection to the community and drives my passion to continue supporting all our children and families to achieve the best outcomes.
“We are at an exciting point in our transformation journey with the social care reforms and the likely implementation of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. As we move forward, my focus is on ensuring that we work together, supporting each other to create the best possible outcomes for children, young people, and families.”
Councillor Cheryl Barnard, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education said: “We’re making huge strides in putting our council back on track – we have a new political leadership, new Chief Executive and now a refreshed team of senior officers with a clear plan to improve the services we offer to our citizens. We must get this right for the people of Nottingham, and we must do this quickly. I look forward to working closely with Sarah, who has already made great strides in bringing about the transformation needed to support our children and young people.”
Commenting on the appointment, City Council Chief Executive Sajeeda Rose, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sarah permanently to Nottingham. Sarah’s focus will be on ensuring continuity, strengthening collaboration, and maintaining the strong partnerships that are critical to delivering the best possible outcomes for children, young people, and families in Nottingham.
“More broadly, the Council is embarking on a momentous transformational journey. Nottingham has faced a difficult year, but we’ve made huge strides in renewing the Council to enable us to deliver for local people. That progress has been rooted in a sound Improvement Plan, a renewed Council Plan, and a robust vision for transformation across the organisation.
“As part of that transformation, we are recruiting for key Executive and Senior Leadership roles, each essential to steering the city through its ambitious evolution.”
The roles include:
- Corporate Director of Growth & City Development
- Strategic Director of Finance / Deputy 151 Officer
- Director of Commercial & Procurement
More information is available on our recruitment site.