Children's services lead featured in New Years Honours

Florence Kroll, Royal Greenwich’s Director for Children’s Services, has been awarded a CBE for her services to education in the New Year Honours 2025. 
 
His Majesty the King has awarded our dedicated children’s services lead of Commander of the Order of the British Empire. 

Florence has been a director in Greenwich since 2016, leading on the delivery of vital services and support for children, young people and their families. Earlier this year the service was deemed Outstanding by Ofsted, further reflecting Children Services’ hard work, care and efficiency.  

Since qualifying as a social worker in 1991, Florence has worked in several councils and settings – always with the dedication to young people at the core of her career.  
 
Florence has been involved in innovative projects to deal with some of the toughest issues facing young people and their families, such as teenage mental health and wellbeing, or looking for new ways to deal with domestic abuse.  
 
Florence promotes a strong education partnership and strives for inclusion for all children in schools and settings, and equality and equity within her workforce. 
 
Florence said: “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 centered 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.” 

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People: “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.

Debbie Warren, Chief Executive for Royal Greenwich, said: "Florence’s expertise and guidance has 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.”