City of York Council's Children and Young People's services are rated among the very best in the country, being again judged to be 'performing excellently' in the 2011 Annual Performance Assessment. The authority has an excellent reputation for its partnership working, achieving Beacon Status for Early Intervention (Children at Risk) in 2006 and for School Improvement in 2007, and a Green Flag for Integrated Services for Disabled Children in 2009.

Pete joined York in 2001 as Assistant Director, becoming Director of Learning, Culture and Children's Services in July 2007 and subsequently Director of Adult's Children and Education in April 2010.

Originally from the North East he undertook undergraduate social work training in Sheffield and post-graduate studies at Bradford University. Pete worked briefly for Sheffield City Council before spending some 18 years in Social Work and Social Work Management with Leeds City Council.

He is a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Education and Children’s Services and has undertaken peer improvement work with other local authorities.