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Regional Update – April 2025




Worcestershire’s DCS:

Back in July when I became interim DCS in Worcestershire, the last thing on my mind was penning a regional update! My preoccupation was in maintaining and trying to build upon the legacy of the previous incumbent, Tina Russell – no small ask!


Of course, the financial challenges we all face coupled with a focus on SEND improvement following a disappointing partnership inspection all served to add to my trepidation.

However, the last ten months have served to instil the progress that can be made despite the challenges, with a dedicated, motivated and skilled workforce.


Worcestershire underwent a positive Ofsted focussed visit on children looked after in December; achieved good outcomes in three residential inspections and more recently, partook in an encouraging review of the care leavers service alongside the National Advisor for Care Leavers.


Just as pertinently and despite leading a directorate essentially culpable for the highest overspend in the council, elected members remained assured the service was operating effectively and efficiently. I have fast learnt the importance of political assurance in maintaining a Children’s service that is adequately resourced and enabled to meaningfully face the future.


The wealth of regional experience and support also came to the fore at the recent networking event at the end of March. Peer challenge feedback was a particular highlight and it was both fascinating and assuring to listen and share collective experiences, challenges and solutions. The approach we have developed as a region from what was once ‘Dragon Den’esque’ to one of genuine collaboration and support has clearly resulted in rich, proactive and diverse dialogue. I certainly intend to maintain open discourse with BCT with whom Worcestershire were partnered.


Going forward it is clear the future holds significant challenges and change for us all. Continued financial pressure; social care reform; SEND demand and challenge; the abolition of NHS England; Local Government Reform; and the move to AI to name but a few.


However, with many of these challenges come significant opportunities to enhance services and achieve even better and timelier outcomes for the children and families we all serve.


The strength, commitment and support of local and regional colleagues coupled with an accelerated learning journey over the past ten months, emboldens me to embrace what lies ahead. So much so that despite my initial reticence I have now become the permanent DCS for Worcestershire, following my appointment on April Fool’s Day!


(I take solace in the fact the 24-hour call-in period equates to my official appointment being the 2nd of April – at least that’s what I’m telling myself anyway).

So, here’s to another year of hard graft, collective dedication and determination and barriers which we will ultimately overcome – bring it on.

Kind regards

Adam Johnston


Innovate and Grow 2025: A valuable day of Sector led improvement:

The Innovate and Grow 2025 conference brought together colleagues from across the West Midlands for a day of collaboration and learning. Speakers from Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Children’s Trust, Coventry Council, Stoke-on-Trent, and the Regional Commissioning Hub shared updates and insights into local innovation. Feedback from attendees showed that everyone found the day worthwhile, with “networking” being the most mentioned benefit. While we’re fortunate to work virtually, events like this remind us of the value, strength and benefit of meeting in person. This is what sector-led improvement looks like—learning from each other to grow together.

 

Sandeep Virk, who facilitated the event on behalf of the Regional Team, would like to thank all those who gave their time, both to attend and present.

 

SEND Leadership Programme:

SEND Leadership Capacity remains a key priority; not all WM LAs have permanent, stable strategic SEND leadership. Peter Gray’s financial review in the West Midlands and his work with ten LAs nationally highlights this as a key factor in terms of risk. Securing high quality interim SEND leaders is challenging. Growing capacity and supporting aspiring leaders within the region is essential.

The joint NDTi / RIIA SEND Leadership programme has run for several years in the Midlands, is well-respected and continues to be over-subscribed. The 2024 cohort had a good mix of Education and Social Care leaders, one Parent & Carer Forum Chair, and seven WM NHS leaders, a mixture of Designated Clinical / Medical Officers, ICB and NHS England staff. Several have cited the programme as key in supporting their career development and securing promotion.

We are in the process of commissioning the Staff College to run a programme for the West Midlands in 2025. For further information or to make nominations, please contact Jane Carter.

 

Secondment opportunity – Regional SEND RIIA Co-ordinator: 

We currently have an opportunity to second a member of children’s services workforce from any of our constituent LA areas to cover the above position. 

 

The role is for two days a week with salary being agreed, in line with the successful applicant’s grade. 

 

For more details, please see the Job Description. And for an informal conversation, please contact Paul Brewster. 

 

To apply, please submit your CV and a 500-750 word written description of how you meet the requirements of the role.  This should be sent to the Regional Team by close of business on Friday 23rd May 2025. 


Upcoming Conferences and Events

Age Assessment training – April to July – FREE:

West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership are facilitating a series of Age Assessment training sessions, delivered by the National Age Assessment Board.

Sessions will be delivered in person, at the City of Wolverhampton Council, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RL.

Details can be found please find the webpage here and to book, use the links below.

Team Managers/Decision Makers Session – session is delivered in one day

Social Workers Session(s) – each session delivered over two consecutive days

Reunification Conference – 26th June:                                                    Coventry are hosting a Reunification Conference Since we launched their Reunification Project in 2021, they have had lots of interest nationally and want to take the opportunity to share what has worked in Coventry, the voices of families who have been part of the project, and bring together some leading voices on reunification nationally. With the focus on reunification within the Families for Children First Reforms, this will be a day which will support practice which brings families back together.

For more detail click here


 
 
 

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