Bradford Council's assistant chief executive Mark Carriline has taken over as the new head of children's services.

He had been rumoured to be lining up for the newly-created post - but it has now been officially confirmed.

His move is part of a shake-up of the top management structure at the Council, which sees the authority slimmed down from three assistant chief executives and 12 directors to one assistant chief executive and seven directors.

The new role of director of services to children and young people is required by law - a response to the murder of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie.

The youngster died in 2000 after suffering abuse and neglect. An inquiry found she had been let down by the agencies responsible which had failed to communicate.

Authorities have until 2008 to appoint a director responsible for all services affecting children. Until recently Bradford had been one of only 11 of 149 authorities which had yet to make the appointment.

Tony Reeves, the Council's chief executive, who started on Monday, said: "Bradford Council is undertaking a process that involves the recruitment and selection of a new corporate management team led by myself.

"Five positions have been filled. Three positions are vacant and recruitment is taking place.

"All interim positions will be resolved as part of this process using a local agreement and negotiation with trade unions.

"As this involves individuals we cannot comment further at this stage."

The positions to be filled are deputy chief executive and directors of corporate services and adult services.

Jane Glaister has moved from being arts, heritage and leisure director to head the new culture, tourism and sport department.

Alan Mainwaring, who was head of transportation, design and planning takes over in the regeneration department.

Environmental protection and waste management director Richard Wixey moves to environment and neighbourhoods. And Wallace Sampson, interim assistant chief executive, becomes the director of customer services.

e-mail: jo.winrow@bradford.newsquest.co.uk