The Isle of Wight may look idyllic, but for Ashley Whittaker, leadership in children’s services is about navigating complexity with purpose. He shares what it really takes to lead, adapt, and work within the realities of Island life and children’s services.
Along the way, Ashley also reflects on his career path, the skills required to lead and adapt, and how opening doors for young people can create lasting change in a community full of unique challenges.
I am the Managing Director of Morgan Hunt and Pentagon Talent and have held this position since January 2017. Over that period, I have overseen a full-scale change programme that has led to a more defined offering to the businesses long standing clients, a full change of brand, a new CRM and several adoptions of new and innovative tech and the opening of a new business in Scotland. All this has contributed to returning this long-standing business to profit.
In 2023, Morgan Hunt was awarded the NORA award for best large recruitment business for Morgan Hunt’s online presence, The Financial Times listed Morgan Hunt as one of the top 30 British Recruitment Companies and The Recruiter Magazine will feature Morgan Hunt in their Fast 100 for 2023.
I have worked within staffing and recruitment for 28 years. I am a major supporter of APSCo, attending many events throughout the year. I am a firm advocate for greater professionalism within the recruitment industry.
Married with two daughters, outside work interests include playing the drums and supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation by creating greater access to the sport of cricket within the City of Brighton and Hove.
Ashley Whittaker is Director of Children’s Services at the Isle of Wight Council. He has worked across education and local government, beginning his career as a teacher and senior leader in schools before moving into children’s services in 2015.
Ashley brings experience from both the public and private sectors, with a strong focus on partnership working across education, health, social care and the voluntary sector. Since relocating to the Island, he has focused on listening to children, families and professionals to help shape services that respond to changing needs and create better outcomes for young people.