Regional Update – July 2026

From Telford & Wrekin’s DCS:

As we move towards the summer break, it feels like an appropriate moment to reflect on what has been another exceptionally busy and productive period across the West Midlands. Wherever I go in the region, I continue to be struck by the commitment, creativity and resilience of colleagues who are working every day to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

We have seen a significant amount of inspection activity across the region in recent weeks. Congratulations to colleagues in Wolverhampton on retaining their Good judgement, and to Warwickshire following the publication of their SEND inspection outcome. We also recognise the work undertaken by colleagues in Staffordshire as part of their recent Joint Targeted Area Inspection and Stoke-on-Trent for their Youth Justice Inspection, while teams in Dudley, Solihull and elsewhere continue to navigate the demands that inspections inevitably bring. These processes are never easy, but they provide another reminder of the professionalism, determination and strength that exists across our region.

A theme that continues to run through much of our work is the importance of listening to, learning from and working alongside children, young people and families. Co-production is no longer something that sits alongside service delivery; increasingly it is becoming central to how we design, develop and improve services. Whether through local participation groups, lived experience panels or direct engagement with children and families, we are seeing some excellent examples of meaningful co-production emerging right across the West Midlands.

Alongside this, I have been spending a great deal of time thinking about relationships, connection and belonging. Recent developments in national policy place a renewed focus on protecting and promoting relationships between brothers and sisters for children in care, but I believe the conversation is much wider than that. It challenges all of us to consider how we help children maintain the connections that matter most to them, how we support family time, and how we ensure relationships remain at the centre of our practice.

This also links closely to some of the wider reform activity taking place across our region. The focus on reunification, supporting children to return home safely where appropriate, strengthening kinship arrangements and helping children remain connected to their families and communities all speak to the same ambition: ensuring children experience stable, loving and enduring relationships throughout their lives. These are complex areas of practice, but they are also some of the most important.

I am also delighted that we will are able to celebrate the successful Regional Care Cooperative bid. This represents a significant achievement for the West Midlands and reflects the hard work, dedication and collaboration of colleagues from across the region. My thanks go to everyone who contributed their expertise, time and energy to making this possible. The opportunities this creates for future partnership working are considerable, and I look forward to seeing the difference it will make for children and families in the years ahead.

Looking ahead, I am also pleased that we will soon come together for the Team Excellence Awards. One of the things I value most about this event is the opportunity to recognise the outstanding teams working across our services, celebrate the difference they make for children and families, and learn from one another's success. It is a powerful reminder of the talent, dedication and innovation that exists right across our region.

Finally, as we approach the summer holidays, I want to thank everyone for their continued commitment and support. I hope that wherever possible you are able to take some time to rest, recharge and enjoy a well-earned break with family and friends. The work we do is demanding, and taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of others.

Thank you for everything you continue to do for children, young people and families across the West Midlands.

Kind regards

Jo Britton

West Midlands RCC Director – Secondment Opportunity:

Following approval of the West Midlands Regional Care Cooperative (RCC) by the Department for Education, we are inviting Expressions of Interest for the role of RCC Director.

This is a unique, full-time opportunity to lead the mobilisation and development of one of the Department's flagship children's social care reform programmes, working across all local authorities in the region, as well as partner agencies to improve sufficiency, placement stability and outcomes for children and young people.

Applications should comprise a statement of no more than 750 words, setting out relevant experience, reasons for applying, and how the applicant would approach the mobilisation and development of the West Midlands RCC. Expressions of Interest should be submitted to Paul Brewster by 10:00am on Monday 3^rd August 2026. The full role profile is available here.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a brief informal discussion during the week commencing 3^rd August.

Foundations Practice Guides: Shaping Regional Improvement Through Evidence:

Research in Practice and Foundations are inviting regional colleagues to take part in a series of Communities of Practice exploring how the Department for Education’s Practice Guides can support local and regional improvement priorities. The sessions will share emerging findings from mapping regional plans against the Practice Guides, identify areas of alignment and divergence, and gather feedback on implementation challenges. Colleagues will also have the opportunity to influence how future evidence and support tools are developed to meet regional needs.

For more details click here.

Emotionally Intelligent Leadership:

The Staff College’s new Emotionally Intelligent Leadership programme supports public service leaders to strengthen relational leadership and build trust in complex environments. Blending practical coaching approaches with emotional intelligence, the programme focuses on improving everyday conversations, enhancing self-awareness, and creating more accountable, human-centred cultures. Delivered through a flexible hybrid model, it includes virtual sessions, in-person learning, and optional coaching support to embed practice. Participants will develop skills in listening, reflective practice, and intentional communication, enabling them to lead with clarity and compassion while shaping positive team cultures and improving outcomes across their organisations.

For more details follow this link.

Innovate and Grow MACPT Future Model Workshop:

The Families First Partnership Community of Practice held the Innovate and Grow: MACPT Future Model Workshop in Coventry on 20 July, bringing together colleagues and partners from across the region to explore the future of Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs).

The event featured a series of interactive workshops led by Pathfinder authorities, alongside presentations from partner agencies, and collaborative discussions. Participants shared learning, reflected on emerging practice, and explored opportunities to strengthen multi-agency working.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collective problem-solving, highlighting a shared commitment to innovation, partnership, and improving outcomes for children and families.

Spotlight on Your Regional Team:

This month, we're launching a new feature -  Spotlight on Your Regional Team. Over the coming months, we'll introduce the people behind the scenes who help connect, support and coordinate activity across the West Midlands. First up is our Relationship & Communications Manager, Paul Brewster.

If someone asked me what I do at a dinner party, I'd probably say: "I work with 14 local authorities across the West Midlands, helping children's services teams communicate, collaborate, share best practice and avoid reinventing the wheel. Some days I'm a diplomat, some days an interpreter, but most of the time I'm the glue that helps hold everything together."

As Relationship & Communications Manager for the West Midlands ADCS Network, no two days are the same. One minute I'm coordinating regional communications, the next I'm supporting sector-led improvement activity, organising events, connecting colleagues, or helping turn great ideas from one area into solutions that benefit the whole region.

At its heart, the role is about relationships—bringing people together, creating opportunities for collaboration, and ensuring that the collective knowledge, experience and expertise across our 14 authority areas is shared for the benefit of children, young people and families across the West Midlands.

Upcoming Conferences and Events

Save the Date – Anti Racist Conference:

Please save the date for our Regional Anti Racist Conference on Wednesday 4th November.

This event is aimed at senior leaders across the Children’s Services and will provide an opportunity to come together to strengthen our collective commitment to anti racist practice, share learning and explore how we can continue to lead meaningful change across our services.

Further details, including the agenda and venue, will be shared soon.