Celebrating Excellence

West Midlands Children’s Services Team Excellence Awards 2025

The West Midlands Team Excellence Awards 2025 brought together children’s services professionals from across the region for an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration. Held under the banner of the West Midlands ADCS Network, the event recognised the outstanding contributions of teams and individuals who go above and beyond to support children, young people, and families.

Now in its fourth year, the awards have become a fixture in the regional calendar, showcasing the very best of practice across 14 councils and trusts. From fostering and SEND to youth justice and education strategy, the breadth of disciplines represented reflects the complexity and dedication of the sector.

Opening the evening, James Thomas, Chief Executive of Birmingham Children’s Trust, welcomed attendees with a message of pride and unity. “Tonight is about celebrating excellence in many forms,” he said. “Every team here has already achieved something truly outstanding. We also know that by supporting one another — across councils, trusts, and services — we can go further, faster.”

Nigel Minns, Chair of the West Midlands ADCS and Network Executive Director for Children and Young People at Warwickshire County Council, echoed this sentiment in his closing address. “Today is our chance to shine a spotlight on the work that often goes unseen,” he said. “Here’s to our teams, our individuals, and the shared commitment that brings us all together.”

A highlight of this year’s ceremony was the introduction of the Special Individual Award, recognising a personal contribution that has made an extraordinary impact. The inaugural recipient was Sam Neath, Young Persons Advisor at Wolverhampton’s REACH Leaving Care service. Sam’s creation of the National Championship Cup — a football tournament for care-experienced young people — has grown from a local initiative into a national event, with over 400 participants to date. His work has been described as “transformative” by the Wolves Foundation and praised in Parliament for its role in tackling isolation and promoting inclusion.

The awards brochure showcased the achievements of nominated teams, you can take a look at it here.  Each story highlighted the power of collaboration, resilience, and a child-centred approach — values that underpin the region’s strategic priorities for 2024–26.

As the evening drew to a close, attendees were reminded that the awards are not just about recognition, but about reflection and renewal. “Please use tonight not only to celebrate,” James Thomas urged, “but also to connect with colleagues and share your learning.”

The West Midlands Team Excellence Awards 2025 reaffirmed a simple truth: when we work together with purpose and passion, we can make the region a place where children thrive, families feel supported, and professionals are proud of the work they do.

For more information, including press enquiries, contact Paul Brewster, West Midlands ADCS Network Communications Officer.