Melissa Caslake

Melissa Caslake has been a Director of Children’s Services in several authorities since 2017, having worked for more than twenty years in children’s services, including child protection, cared for children, leaving care services and early help, SEND and education. Melissa qualified with a Master’s degree in social work at Exeter University, having previously done English at the University of Oxford.

Melissa joined Salford City Council as Executive Director for Children’s Services in January 2023. Since that time, she has led the service to an outstanding Ofsted ILACS inspection (leadership and care leavers) and a good inspection of Youth Justice. She has also overseen school attainment, SEND and attendance improvements and is currently working on Salford’s ambition to become UNICEF accredited Child Friendly. Melissa is corporately responsible for Community Solutions, a key area of the Council’s Innovation transformation programme bringing together services to support all age early intervention and prevention.

Melissa is passionate about intervening early, supporting individuals and families to care well for themselves and living well through the life course. Melissa’s approach includes continuously seeking improvement and innovation, building on resilience, and participation of residents, seeing them achieve goals, reach their ambitions and overcome adversity.