Hampshire County Council’s director of children’s services is to retire at the end of March after 40 years working in public service.

Stuart Ashley, who also holds the role of deputy chief executive, will step down following a career that began on the frontline in the county’s children’s homes.

Mr Ashley joined Hampshire County Council in 1986 as a residential worker. He qualified as a registered social worker in 1992 and went on to become deputy director of children’s services in 2016, before being appointed director in 2023.

During his time in charge, the council’s Children’s Services department was rated “outstanding” by Ofsted in June 2024, having previously been graded “good”.

The service has now received two consecutive “outstanding” judgements.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said Mr Ashley had always planned to retire at this stage of his career.

The spokerperson said: “He does so after a remarkable career, including two consecutive Outstanding judgements from Ofsted.

“We thank him for his leadership and many years of dedicated service and wish him well for the future.”

The council confirmed that deputy director Steph How will take over the role on an interim basis while a recruitment process begins. The director of children’s services post currently carries a salary of £196,644.