CONCERNS have been raised over the person chosen to lead a board which works to keep local children safe from harm.

Elaine McHale is due to take up her responsibilities as chairman of Bradford Safeguarding Children Board at the next meeting of the board on October 1, but her appointment to the role has already come under fire.

Conservatives in Bradford are calling for assurances after it emerged that Miss McHale retired from her role as corporate director of family services at Wakefield Council two years ago, as four separate serious case reviews into the deaths of children were begun.

Reports at the time detailed how the authority had refused to confirm or deny that Miss McHale's departure was linked to the serious case reviews, but that her retirement had been under discussion "for some time".

She has since gone on to work at Leicester City Council as interim strategic director for education and children’s services and is due to leave that post shortly.

Councillor Debbie Davies, Conservative spokesman for children's services at Bradford Council, raised concerns over Miss McHale's appointment in Bradford.

She said: "Her departure [from Wakefield] may raise a few eyebrows as you would expect the senior director to see the case reviews through to their conclusion rather than leave someone new to be thrown in at the deep end."

Cllr Davies said it was important that Bradford's board was not just effective, but that "local residents perceive it to be so and have faith in it".

She added: “In the light of this information I would appreciate assurances that Miss McHale is the best person for the job."

But Bradford Council's chief executive Tony Reeves, who made the appointment, has defended Miss McHale's selection.

He said: "I was supported on the interview panel by the Director of Children's Services and senior partners from the NHS and Police.

"We then discussed our decision with a reference group from the Safeguarding Children Board. This included the head of social work, manager of Bradford Safeguarding Children Board, a voluntary sector representative, as well as the NHS and Police.

"We all agreed that Elaine was the strongest candidate because of her significant experience of working in safeguarding for both children and vulnerable adults in Wakefield and in her current post as Interim Director of Children's Services in Leicester.

"Elaine also understands the safeguarding challenges in Bradford."

Miss McHale did not wish to comment when approached by the Telegraph & Argus.