The Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Director for Children’s Services, Florence Kroll, has been awarded a CBE by the King in the 2025 New Year Honours.
Since joining the borough in 2016, Florence has been instrumental in transforming services for children, young people, and families, culminating in an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating earlier this year.
Florence has played a leading role in innovative projects tackling some of the most challenging issues affecting young people and families. These include initiatives focused on improving teenage mental health and wellbeing, as well as developing new approaches to address domestic abuse. Florence is also a passionate advocate for inclusion and equity, both within the community and across Royal Greenwich’s workforce.
“I am very honoured to have been awarded a CBE. This is a reflection of all the hard work, care and compassion that staff in Greenwich show young people day in, day out. For me, the true honour is being a part of a team that is so centred on improving the lives of children and helping them get the best start in life. There’s nothing I can think of more rewarding than that, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone in Royal Greenwich who help us achieve that goal.”
Florence Kroll, Royal Greenwich
Florence qualified as a social worker in 1991 and has dedicated over three decades of her career to improving outcomes for children and young people. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on Greenwich, from promoting equity in education to embedding a culture of listening to children and young people.
Ofsted highlighted the borough’s commitment to hearing the voices of young people as a key strength of Royal Greenwich in their 'Outstanding' report this year. Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, commended Florence’s achievements:
“I’d like to congratulate Florence on this incredible honour. For nearly a decade in Royal Greenwich, she has shown strong leadership and an ambitious vision for every young person in our borough to reach their full potential. This unwavering commitment has made a real difference to the lives of countless young people and their families, and I am thrilled that Florence’s impact is being recognised not just in Greenwich, but beyond.”
Adel Khaireh, Royal Greenwich
The impact that Greenwich’s leadership has on social work practice, one of Ofsted’s key criteria, was judged to be ‘Outstanding’. As well as successfully running children's services in Greenwich, Florence is also the chair of the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services. Debbie Warren, the Royal Borough's Chief Executive, works with Florence as a senior leader in the council.
“Florence’s expertise and guidance have steered our Children’s Services to an Outstanding Ofsted, which is a huge achievement in itself. But beyond that, Florence chairs our EDI steering group and constantly looks to promote and champion diversity and inclusion in our Council. I have great admiration for Florence’s leadership and vision and am proud she puts them to good use here in Greenwich.”
Debbie Warren, Royal Greenwich
If you'd like to work with Florence in Royal Borough of Greenwich's Outstanding Children’s Services team, view their current social work roles below.
