NETWORK HUB
The West Midlands ADCS Network uses a region-wide structure of thematic networks to drive improvement across children’s services.
By focusing on cross-cutting priorities—such as education, health, safeguarding, SEND, and workforce development—we identify, develop, and share best practice across the region. This collaborative model enables us to harness collective expertise, promote innovation, and improve outcomes for children, young people, and families in every local area.
Our networks bring together representatives from all 14 councils and two children’s trusts across the West Midlands.
Working collaboratively, they lead the development, commissioning, and delivery of services for children, young people, and families—including education, health, youth services, early years, and social care.
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By partnering with other agencies, our members ensure services are joined-up, responsive, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of children and young people across the region.
FOR DETAILS ON HOW OUR NETWORKS INTERACT, CLICK ON THIS IMAGE
ADOPTION
& SPECIAL GUARDIANSHIP​
The West Midlands ADCS Adoption and Special Guardianship Group provides strategic regional leadership to strengthen and transform adoption and special guardianship systems.
We are committed to driving performance improvement, shaping policy, and becoming a central hub for innovation and best practice. Our goal is to create a more responsive, effective, and child-centred landscape—ensuring that every child and family receives the support they need to thrive.
QUALITY OF PERFORMANCE & PRACTICE
Quality of performance and practice is central to our regional improvement agenda—particularly in Safeguarding and Social Care.
This network carries a significant remit, providing leadership and coordination across key areas of statutory practice. It plays a vital role in driving consistency, strengthening accountability, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the region.
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Through shared learning, peer challenge, and a commitment to excellence, the network supports local authorities and trusts in delivering high-quality, safe, and effective services for children, young people, and families.
STRATEGIC COMMISSIONING
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Strategic commissioning in the West Midlands is built on a strong tradition of collaboration among children’s services commissioners.
This collective approach enables us to co-design and deliver a regional commissioning work programme that supports our shared strategic objectives. By working together, we ensure that services are responsive, efficient, and aligned with the needs of children, young people, and families across the region.​
LEAD
MEMBERS
Lead Members play a vital role in shaping the direction of children’s services across the West Midlands.
Expertly facilitated by the Local Government Association, we actively engage Lead Members from all councils in the region to ensure their voices are heard and their insights inform our work.
Their representation is essential within the governance structure of the West Midlands ADCS Network, helping to drive forward our programme ambitions and regional priorities. Together, we work to strengthen leadership, accountability, and outcomes for children, young people, and families.
EDUCATION
& SKILLS
Local authorities continue to play a vital role in school improvement—even where schools have converted to academy status.
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Working collaboratively across multiple strands, our active Education and Skills Network brings together subgroups focused on enabling outstanding educational opportunities for all children and young people in the West Midlands. Through shared learning, strategic planning, and strong partnerships, we aim to raise attainment, close gaps, and ensure every learner can thrive.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES
The SEND Leads Network is a well-established and collaborative forum for driving improvement across the region.
With a strong history of joint working, the network leads a comprehensive programme focused on the implementation of SEND reforms. It also supports an efficiencies agenda, helping local areas to deliver high-quality, inclusive services in a sustainable way.
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By sharing expertise, aligning strategies, and promoting innovation, the network plays a key role in shaping the future of SEND provision across the West Midlands.
STRATEGIC
PERFORMANCE
The Strategic Performance Network serves as the central hub for all performance and data-related activity across the West Midlands.
It brings together data leads and analysts from local authorities and trusts to support evidence-informed decision-making, track progress against regional priorities, and strengthen accountability. Through shared tools, frameworks, and insight, the network helps drive continuous improvement in outcomes for children, young people, and families.
WORKFORCE & LEADERSHIP
The Strategic Workforce Leads Network plays a vital role in shaping the children’s services workforce across the West Midlands.
With a substantial and forward-looking work plan, the network focuses on workforce development, recruitment, retention, and leadership capacity. It supports regional collaboration to address shared challenges, promote innovation, and ensure a skilled, resilient workforce equipped to meet the needs of children, young people, and families.
PARTICIPATION
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The Participation Leads Network brings together professionals from across the West Midlands who are dedicated to amplifying the voices of children and young people.
With representation from all councils and children’s trusts in the region, the network fosters collaboration, shares best practice, and develops inclusive approaches to participation. Its work ensures that children and young people are meaningfully involved in shaping the services that affect their lives.
PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WORKERS
The Principal Social Workers Network is a vibrant and inclusive space for professional collaboration across the West Midlands.
All Principal Social Workers are warmly invited to attend and actively participate in the network’s activities. Together, members share expertise, explore best practice, and contribute to the continuous improvement of social work across the region.