TO the casual observer the job might appear to be the very definition of the phrase "poisoned chalice."

But even so the search is now on to find a "Strategic Director" willing to lead the transformation of Wirral Council's crisis-hit children's services department.

The salary for the role has been increased by a massive £40,000 to £155,000 per annum since the resignation of the previous incumbent in May.

With National Insurance contributions, pension and other costs the total will be in the region of £200,000 a year.

Yet the position must surely carry a health warning for anyone considering applying.

The department is still under the shadow of a damning Ofsted inspection which found "widespread and serious failings."

The national watchdog gave its lowest possible rating - "inadequate."

And former children's services chief Julia Hassall resigned under a cloud following a child sexual exploitation court case when two brothers were jailed for 40 years for abusing vulnerable young girls in Wirral.

If that wasn't bad enough, a top Government troubleshooter brought in to turn around child safeguarding - Department for Education specialist Eleanor Brazil - then quit saying she was "shocked and appalled" by the way, in her view, politicians had engineered Ms Hassall's departure.

Tory councillor Lesley Rennie said: “If the Labour leader of the council thinks the problems in this department are caused by a lack of reward for those at the top he is deluded.

"It seems he can find the money for senior directors but not for the rest of the staff.

“The director of children’s services answered to a strategic director and a chief executive paid more than the Prime Minister.

"Bumping up the role from director to 'strategic director' will cost Wirral Council up to £50,811 in extra salary and employer costs."

Conservative group leader Cllr Ian Lewis said: “As we know all too well in Wirral super salaries at the top are no guarantee of a well-run department.

"It’s barely six months since the last major restructure of the senior directors under the so-called new operating model.

"It seems the leader of the council has ended austerity for those around him while doing nothing for the staff elsewhere in the authority.”

A Wirral Council spokesman said: “The leader of the council has been consistently clear: improving services for children is the number one priority for the council.

“We will not attract the right candidate if we do not pay the right money.

"Every area in the UK when recruiting to this position is increasing the salary to around this level.

“It is a competitive market and we are looking to attract the best possible candidate – someone with extensive experience, a national profile and the skills to support our children’s services to continue their improvement at a fast pace.”

The representative pointed out Kent County Council is offering a salary of £190,000 for a similar position while Liverpool City Council is currently recruiting for the role with a pay package of £140,000.

The Government issued a formal improvement notice to Wirral Council in the wake of the Ofsted inspection.

It warned that unless significant steps are taken secretary of state for education Justine Greening will use her statutory powers to make an "intervention."

The authority has invested £10m into the service and launched a major recruitment drive for more social workers and specialist staff.