LATEST NEWS

From Solihull’s DCS: I’m writing this in the days between Christmas and New Year, a time to reflect upon the past year, and look with both excitement and not a little trepidation to the year ahead.   I’ve been the Director of Children's Services in Solihull since August of last year, and it’s been a packed few months! We’ve had our long awaited ILACS inspection, been busy preparing ourselves with the design and forthcoming implementation of the Families First reforms and of c

Our Regional Chair’s end of year message:   As we reach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved together across the West Midlands. This is both my first and last end-of-year message as Chair, as my eight years as the DCS in Warwickshire comes to an end in the Spring. It has been a privilege to step into the role of Chair and see firsthand the strength, resilience, and ambition that define our region.   2025 has been a year of progres

From Shropshire’s DCS: As we approach the end of another busy year, with the promise of festivities around the corner, I can't believe it's been 3 months since I took up post as the DCS in Shropshire! During this time, there's been highs, lows, challenges and celebrations!   Having spoken to fellow DCS colleagues, who have been in their role much longer than I, this seems to be the lived experience of our roles. Whilst this inevitably brings challenges, it also makes our role

From Sandwell Children’s Trust’s Chief Executive and our QPPG Sponsor: Autumn is a season of reflection and renewal. As the days shorten and the pace steadies, we find ourselves deep in the work — focused, collaborative, and committed to making a difference.   At Sandwell, we’ve welcomed inspectors as part of our Ofsted ILACS. It’s a moment that naturally brings reflection — not just on progress, but on the values and relationships that underpin everything we do. It’s also a

West Midlands Children’s Services Team Excellence Awards 2025 The West Midlands Team Excellence Awards 2025 brought together children’s...

From Birmingham Children’s Trusts Chief Executive and our RIIA Sponsor:   September always feels like a fresh start. The beginning of the...

From Wolverhampton’s DCS and our Adoption and Special Guardianship Sponsor:   As we begin this new academic year, there is a palpable...

Every year, on 19 August, the global community marks World Humanitarian Day - a time to honour those who step forward in times of crisis...

From your Regional Team:   As we transition between our outgoing and incoming Chair, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the...