Regional Update – February 2026

From Staffordshire’s DCS and our co‑vice chair:

As we move further into 2026, I’ve found myself returning to something Rasheed wrote in last month’s introduction — that our services do more than improve outcomes; they actively shape a fairer society. That message feels particularly resonant now, as political volatility continues not just across our region, but nationally and internationally. In this context, our values are not simply statements on a page; they are the foundation of our leadership and the compass by which we steer.

Those values are being tested by the realities we all recognise: the extraordinary financial pressures facing local government, the need to sustain improvement while budgets tighten, and the ripple effects of national policy uncertainty, from SEND reforms to fostering and youth justice and wider youth work. Yet despite this, the West Midlands continues to demonstrate a remarkable collective resilience. Our most recent ILACS outcomes — including Good judgements for Sandwell, Solihull and Herefordshire, as well as a positive Focused Visit in Staffordshire, meaning no Inadequate judgements anywhere in the region — a powerful testament to the dedication and skill of our workforce.

We were also able to celebrate our strengths at last week’s Innovate and Grow Conference. It was an inspiring moment: a showcase of regional creativity, practical problem solving and cross‑system collaboration. Hearing from colleagues across disciplines reminded me how much innovation is already happening in our councils and trusts — often quietly, always with purpose, and consistently in service of children and families. The energy in the room reinforced that, even in difficult times, our region leads not by rhetoric but by example.

Another thread running strongly through our recent work is the increasing diversity of our region — in our staff, our leaders and our communities. This diversity brings insight, richness and strength, but it also places a clear responsibility upon us. We must be visible and confident in protecting the children, young people and families who look to us for fairness, safety and inclusion, especially at a time when public debate can feel polarising or divisive. Our collective leadership must continue to model equity and humanity in everything we do.

In this month we have Ramadan and Lent starting in the same week I think this provides an opportunity to reflect on how we live our collective values and respect our colleagues who may be fasting or abstaining. I invite you this month to cultivate kindness and work together to celebrate everyone, their views, beliefs and identity. The strength of our regional collaboration continues to be a source of real pride for me. The principled, supportive and forward‑looking way we work together is what gives me such confidence in what we can achieve, even in challenging circumstances.

Thank you for everything you do, and for the leadership you continue to show in difficult times.

Kind regards

Bernie Brown

Leading Change in SEND/AP – Final Places Available! One Week Left to Apply:

There is just one week remaining to apply for the 2026 Leading Change in SEND/AP leadership development programme — and we still have places available for colleagues across the region.

This national programme is designed for strategic leaders across education, health, social care and parent carer organisations who are looking to strengthen their leadership practice and drive meaningful improvement for children and young people with SEND. Participants join a committed regional cohort, take part in high‑impact workshops, residential learning, virtual ALS sessions and a 360‑degree leadership review, with all sessions designed to build confidence, capability and intentional leadership.

If you lead strategic SEND work in your area — or have colleagues ready for the next stage of their leadership journey — please encourage applications as soon as possible.

Deadline: One week to go – apply now to secure a place.

For more details contact Paul Brewster or Natalie Bevan

Innovate and Grow 2026:

The 2026 Innovate & Grow Conference brought together colleagues from all 14 West Midlands authorities and trusts for a full day of shared learning, creativity and cross‑system collaboration. Hosted at Warwick Conferences, the programme showcased innovative practice from across the region, including insights from Coventry & Warwickshire FDAC, workshops on SCARF, TREES and Breathe–Trust–Connect, and afternoon sessions exploring AI in SEND, engagement through the PINS programme and the National House Project. The panel discussion that closed the day drew together key themes and reflections. The energy, generosity and ambition shown throughout the event demonstrated once again the strength of our regional partnership and our shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Building on the momentum of this year’s event, planning for the next Innovate & Grow conference is already underway.

SEND Leads:

Our recent West Midlands SEND Leads meeting marked an important milestone for the region, bringing together representatives from all 14 local authorities alongside colleagues from the Department for Education — the first time we have achieved full attendance in some time. The session demonstrated the strong momentum building across our SEND community as we deepen collaboration, share expertise and strengthen collective leadership in support of children and young people with SEND.

A key focus of the meeting was the new DfE Maturity Matrix assessment tool, which is already prompting thoughtful conversation, shared reflection and early joint planning as we prepare for the forthcoming White Paper. The quality of engagement across the group highlighted a renewed commitment to working together with clarity, ambition and a shared sense of purpose.

New Research Spotlight: Attachment and Caregiving in the Context of Parental Learning Disabilities:

We are pleased to highlight new research from Layla Harding, Royal Holloway, University of London, exploring attachment and caregiving where parents have learning disabilities. The study offers important insights for children’s services, adult services and wider multi‑agency practice, with a focus on strengthening assessment, support and relational approaches.

We have also been invited to co‑host a regional webinar on the findings with WM‑ADASS, provisionally scheduled for April. Further details will follow once arrangements are confirmed.

New Aspirant Heads of Service Programme – Growing Future Leaders:

The Staff College has launched a new national development programme designed to support our next generation of leaders. Growing Future Leaders responds directly to what many areas have highlighted: talented team and service managers who are beginning to operate at Head of Service level, but who need targeted support to take the next step with confidence.

The programme blends in‑person sessions, virtual learning and a live leadership challenge, helping future leaders deepen their understanding of system complexity, strengthen their management and change‑leadership skills, and build sustainable approaches to wellbeing and resilience. The first national cohort is expected to begin in May 2026.

This opportunity is ideal for colleagues identified through appraisal, talent management or succession planning as potential Heads of Service.

Find out more and register your interest here.

Aspirant DCS Leadership Programme – Applications Now Open:

Recruitment is now open for the 2026 Aspirant Director of Children’s Services Leadership Programme – applications close at noon on 25^th February 2026. This fully funded national programme is designed for experienced senior leaders across children’s services, education, health, adult services and the wider public sector who are considering stepping into a future DCS role.

Participants will engage in a rich blend of face‑to‑face learning, immersive leadership development, residential sessions, learning visits, and virtual workshops, all shaped to build the skills, confidence and insight needed to lead at DCS level. With eight taught days and a structured leadership challenge, the programme provides a realistic, stretching and highly supportive development experience that fits around the demands of a senior role.

If you or a colleague are exploring the next step into system‑level leadership, this is a unique opportunity to deepen your readiness and accelerate your development.

For more details and to apply, click here.

Leading in Uncertainty:

This Spring, The Staff College is launching Leading in Uncertainty – a three-day programme for heads of service, assistant directors and senior leaders who are working in that complexity and want practical tools and space to think.

For more details and to register your interest, click here.

Upcoming Conferences and Events

West Midlands SWTP Practice Educators Conference 2026:

Applications are now open for the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership’s 2026 Practice Educators Conference, taking place on Tuesday 5 May, 9:30am–4:00pm at the Aston Conference Centre.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating the Diversity of the Practice Educator Role,” will explore how Practice Educators can best support every student’s learning journey. The day will feature presentations from Dr Deborah Hadwin and Le’Siran Edwards, alongside interactive workshops on supporting international students, working with students who have lived experience of trauma, and more.

Applications close Friday 13 March 2026, with confirmation of places issued by Friday 27 March. Places will be allocated equitably across the partnership.

Find out more and register your interest here.

Regional Safeguarding Conference 5^th 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. 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 Safeguarding Lead for further information.

Participation Conference 12th March – FREE

This year’s Participation Conference is themed around empowering young people to be the voice of change. We invite participation leads, young people, apprentices, lead members, and senior leaders to join us, hear from key speakers, and share best practice from across the West Midlands region.

Please contact your Participation Lead for further information and to book your place at this year’s conference.

Principal Social Workers Conference 2026 – Save the Date:

Planning is now underway for the 2026 West Midlands Principal Social Workers Conference, scheduled for July 2026.  This year’s theme, “Voice of Change”, places lived experience at the heart of the programme.

The conference will be developed with and through the voices of those with lived experience, bringing together young people, care‑experienced young adults and parents to shape discussions that matter most to practitioners. Sessions will explore how their insights can drive meaningful change across practice, culture and implementation of the forthcoming reforms.

Further details — including programme content, speakers and booking information — will be shared in the coming weeks.