Regional Update – July 2025

From your Regional Team:

As we transition between our outgoing and incoming Chair, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the past two years and take a brief look at what’s on the horizon for our region.

The DCS Network is made up of sixteen members—fourteen Directors of Children’s Services and two trust CEOs. Since July 2023, eleven of those members have been newly appointed. That might sound like a lot, but more than half are “home-grown” leaders—an encouraging sign that succession planning is thriving here in the West Midlands. The others bring fresh perspectives and valuable experience, enriching what is already a vibrant, diverse region.

Over the past two years, we’ve seen a wave of inspection activity, although 2024 was relatively quiet in terms of ILACS. That said, things are picking up again. Most notably, Walsall was recently rated Outstanding. Huge congratulations to Colleen and her team for this well-earned achievement.

Another highlight has been our region’s strong performance under the newer “experience and progress of care leavers” judgement. Of the five local authorities inspected so far under this framework, four achieved at least a Good rating. While the Regional Team doesn’t take credit for this success, it does align with the launch of the Regional Care Leaver Offer—expertly led by Chris Yates.

In terms of collaboration and innovation, we were thrilled to welcome Sandeep Virk (on secondment from Birmingham Children’s Trust) to lead our sector-led improvement work. One of her early contributions was launching our very first Innovate and Grow Conference in March. It joins our already packed schedule of events, including the Principal Social Worker, Safeguarding, and Participation conferences. Together, these events create space for us to share local innovations and best practices across the region—many of which are shaped by our annual peer challenge work.

One of the real highlights for the Regional Team is the Team Excellence Awards (TEA). Every year, sixteen exceptional teams—nominated by their DCS or trust CEO—are recognised for the outstanding difference they make in the lives of children and young people. We’re already preparing for this year’s ceremony in September, and we can’t wait to celebrate with the nominees.

Looking ahead, we know one thing for certain: unpredictability is a constant in public service. But amidst that uncertainty, there are also new opportunities. The Department for Education recently confirmed a £1.5 million grant to support both Children’s Social Care reforms and SEND work in our region—a significant investment in our collective future.

We understand that regional work can sometimes feel distant or abstract, especially when you’re juggling the day-to-day challenges of a busy service. But we’ve also seen firsthand how powerful it can be when colleagues come together across boundaries to tackle shared challenges. So, from all of us on the Regional Team: thank you. Your time, insight, and collaboration truly make a difference.

Kind regards

Nafeesa, Lizzie, Chris,

Sandeep, Paul and Mike

SAFEBED Research:

We have also been contacted by a research team at Aston University who are investigating the use of enclosed bed designs (sometimes referred to as 'safe sleeping spaces') in children with intellectual disability.

They are looking for children aged 3-11 who have an intellectual disability/autism and/or a genetic syndrome who are on the pathway to receiving an enclosed bed.  They are also looking for caregivers who have used an enclosed bed with an individual they care for at any point in the last two years (they don't still have to be using the bed).

Caregivers who have used an enclosed bed at any point in the last two years will be invited to participate in a two-hour focus group with up to five other caregivers to discuss their experience of bed assessment and implementation.

All data will be collected by the Aston University research team, the role of the local authority will only be to identify eligible participants.  If you are able to support the research team with identifying suitable participants, please contact Sandra Prew.

Upcoming Conferences and Events

Neurodivergence in Social Work – 4^th September - FREE

WM Teaching Partnership are pleased to share this CPD opportunity. It is open to all partners so please share within your organisations and ensure that anyone who may benefit from the training is invited to attend.

For more details, and to book a place, please click here.

Regional Safeguarding Conference – 27^th November – FREE

This years Regional Safeguarding Network Annual Conference will be at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club on 27th November for this year’s conference themed around neglect 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.

Participation Conference – FREE

We are just finalising plans for this years Participation Conference, but please look out on next months Regional Update for full details.