Regional Update – December 2025
- paulmartin.brewster
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
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 progress and partnership. We’ve celebrated some incredible milestones:
Outstanding Ofsted judgements for Walsall and Shropshire, joining Telford & Wrekin in setting a high bar for excellence.
Sandwell’s recent ILACS inspection, which recognised children’s services as Good overall – a huge step forward since 2022 and a testament to the dedication of leaders and practitioners in both the Trust and the Council, and of their partners.
Alongside these successes, we’ve driven forward our SEND Delivery Plan, strengthening alignment between education and social care, launching a new data dashboard, and preparing for the SEND Leadership Course in early 2026. These developments show what’s possible when we work together with a shared purpose.
Our region has also embraced collaboration through our position as a Regional Improvement and Innovation Alliance, through activity in delivering the Families First Partnership, and through events such as the Team Excellence Awards and the Innovate & Grow Conference. These moments remind us that improvement isn’t just about systems and structures – it’s about people, relationships, and shared ambition.
Of course, challenges remain. Financial pressures, policy and legislative changes, and the complexity of need will continue to test us. But if this year has shown us anything, it’s that we have the creativity, determination, and collective strength to rise to those challenges.
As we look ahead to 2026, there is much to be hopeful about:
The launch of the SEND Leadership Course and best practice forums.
Continued progress on Families First implementation.
Opportunities to shape regional commissioning and strengthen sufficiency.
Thank you for everything you’ve done this year – for your hard work, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to children and young people. Every achievement we’ve celebrated belongs to you. I’m proud to have been part of this network and excited for what will be accomplished together in the year ahead.
Wishing you all a very well deserved restful festive season and a positive start to 2026.
Kind regards
Nigel Minns
Festive Greetings from your Regional Team:
As we wrap up another busy and productive year, Lizzie, Nafeesa, Natalie, Chris, Sandeep, Paul, and Mike would like to extend their warmest wishes to you all for a joyful festive season and a happy New Year.
Regional Office Christmas and New Year Opening:
Please note that the Regional Office will close at 5:00 PM on 23rd December and reopen at 9:00 AM on 5th January. During this period, emails and telephone calls will not be monitored or responded to.
Families First Partnerships – Communities of Practice - 12th February:
Join us for the next Families First Communities of Practice session, continuing the collaborative work launched in June 2024. This is a space for regional colleagues to connect, share learning, and shape future priorities. We’ll spotlight MACPT’s partnership with the police and begin exploring how SEND reforms will align as we move into 2026. A valuable opportunity to reflect on progress, exchange ideas, and influence what comes next.
For more information contact Sandeep Virk.
AI Festival of Practice: Councils Leading the Way in AI:
From Monday 26th –Friday 30th January 2026, join colleagues from WM Employers for a week-long virtual festival exploring how councils are already using AI to improve services, reduce pressure, and spark new ways of working.
This isn’t about future promises or tech jargon – it’s councils learning from councils.
For more details, click here.
Practical Tools for Uncertain Times:
Looking to strengthen your leadership toolkit? The Staff College’s Practical Tools for Uncertain Times programme offers a flexible, thought-provoking space to explore how to lead with clarity, confidence and compassion in complex environments. Whether you're navigating change, uncertainty or challenge, this programme is designed to support you.
Find out more and register your interest click here.
New Opportunity: Ultimate Copilot 365 Programme:
West Midlands Employers is launching a 12-week practical programme to help public-sector teams use Copilot effectively. Starting 3 March, delegates will build real solutions to live challenges. Ideal for managers, analysts, and digital champions.
Contact Michelle O’Neill at for details.
Reunification Working Group Launch:
Following the success of Coventry’s Reunification Conference, a new multi-local authority working group is starting to share best practice and learning. The first meeting took place on 19 November, with over 10 councils already involved.
To join future sessions, email Chantelle Davis /Victoria Goodband.
Upcoming Conferences and Events
Masterclasses
All masterclasses are virtual and FREE to attend for staff from the regions LA/Trusts and members of their multi-agency partnership.
Family Drug & Alcohol Court (FDAC)
Join Jane Dunne & colleagues of Coventry & Warwickshire FDAC, for a Masterclass on 14 January 2026. This interactive session will provide a closer look at the FDAC model in action, with practical insights into implementation, multi-agency collaboration, and sustaining change in complex family settings. An invaluable opportunity for anyone seeking to strengthen practice and drive innovation locally.
Save the Date – Innovate and Grow Conference 2026 – FREE
Join us on 10th February for the West Midlands’ flagship children’s services event. The Innovate and Grow Conference brings together leaders, innovators and practitioners to share ideas, showcase best practice, and build stronger communities. This free event features inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and opportunities to collaborate across sectors.
Hold the date – registration opens soon.
Regional Safeguarding Conference 5th March – FREE
This year’s Regional Safeguarding Network Annual Conference will be at the Bescot Stadium, Walsall on 5th March and will be themed around neglect. Come and join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and expert speakers. This in-person event is the perfect chance to connect with professionals in the field and stay up to date on the latest topics and best practices in safeguarding. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Please contact your Regional Safeguarding Network representative for booking information.
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