Regional Update – March 2026

From Stoke-on-Trent’s DCS:

As I’m writing this, it feels like Spring has arrived, the sun is shining and the days warming. However, although spring is a season of change, we are still facing some of same challenges we have seen in our roles over many years. As Bernie wrote in last month’s regional update Local Authorities and indeed the wider public sector are facing extraordinary financial pressures set against the need to make or sustain improvements while budgets tighten, set against a rapidly changing national policy background.

The DfE published the long-awaited Schools White Paper “Every child achieving and thriving” and corresponding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) consultation, which proposes a major transformation to England’s education system focused on inclusion, early intervention, and family support.

The White Paper sets out a long-term vision for the future of the education system; one that prepares children for rapid technological change while strengthening the role of families, schools, and communities. The White paper has a particular focus on curriculum and enrichment, disadvantage, collaboration, pupil, and parental engagement. It also focuses on attendance, behaviour, suspensions and exclusions, transitions, and workforce.

Whilst I broadly welcome these proposed reforms, I do have concerns about the adequacy of proposed funding to deliver this ambitious programme of change and the impact of the changes to Integrated Care Boards and their ability to support these programmes of change. I also recognise for children and parents the thresholds for the three layers of support are key and of concern until they understand what the threshold will be for this support.

These proposed reforms should be seen alongside system change through the Best Start in Life and Family First Partnership Programmes.  A further change is the Ministry of Justice – Youth Remand Partnership Reforms as a region WM’s ADCS are responding to this and thanks to Bernie for leading on this as our regional lead on Youth Justice.

As Spring approaches, I am pleased to update on the progress that Stoke-on-Trent is achieving through a safe reduction in the number of children in care for the first time in several years, reflecting improved permanence planning, stronger reunification pathways and more effective family-led decision making. The foundation for this improvement is our highly committed workforce who care passionately about the lives of the children and families we work with.

Today marks the final day of Social Work Week 2026, which has run from Monday 16 to Friday 20 March and included World Social Work Day on Tuesday 17 March. This year’s theme, “Co‑Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society” — has felt particularly resonant given events across the world. It has been a timely reminder of the vital role that social workers play every day in strengthening communities, fostering connection, and helping children and families navigate uncertainty with compassion and resilience.

Kind regards

Neil McDonald

As we come to the end of Ramadan, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to all colleagues who will be celebrating Eid.

Ramadan is a month of reflection, compassion, and community, and Eid al‑Fitr marks a joyful time of celebration, gratitude, and togetherness. To everyone observing, we hope this special occasion brings you peace, happiness, and an opportunity to celebrate with loved ones.

Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating! Wishing you a blessed and joyful Eid.

Social Work Week 2026:

At their recent meeting PSW Network began their meeting by reflecting on the theme of hope and how it anchors our collective practice. They shared what sustains them: seeing young people and families achieve positive change; support that truly fits; remembering our ‘why’; practising self‑care; challenging inequality; and valuing small acts of kindness that create lasting impact. It has been inspiring to see celebrations across the region, and we hope colleagues enjoyed a meaningful Social Work Week.

2026 Regional Safeguarding Network Conference:

This event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with strong attendance from 12 of 14 local authorities and a wide range of safeguarding professionals. Sessions covered anti‑racist practice, neglect, poverty proofing, parent participation and national practice updates. Delegates highlighted key priorities for 2026/27, including domestic abuse, reforms, contextual safeguarding and cultural competence. Attendees also expressed clear support for establishing a regional LCPP/CP Chair group to strengthen shared learning and consistency across the West Midlands.

2026 Regional Participation Conference:

The annual Participation Conference brought together care experienced young people and participation leads to explore how we can strengthen youth voice and co production across the West Midlands. We heard from speakers Terry Galloway, Matthew Page, and our Participation Leads covering ‘Why Participation Matters’. Attendees showcased their own exceptional areas of participation, provided valuable insight into regional achievements over the last year, and discussed how the Regional Participation Strategy can be refreshed and improved to be more youth led and inclusive.

Feedback reflected appreciation for the intent of the conference and a clear call for greater youth-friendly communication, more action-oriented follow-up, and more structured opportunities for young people to shape ongoing work.

Opportunity to Support Young People’s Voices:

The University of Birmingham, with partners in Bristol and Kent, is inviting care-experienced young people to take part in the national COLLAGE Study, exploring experiences of seeking mental health support. Young people aged 13–25 can join an anonymous online survey, and those aged 16–25 can opt for a 1:1 online interview, with £25 vouchers available. Please share across your services and networks to help ensure young people’s voices are widely represented.

For more details click here.

Introducing Every Learner Matters:

The Staff College has launched Every Learner Matters, a new global network designed to spark international conversations on inclusion and equity in education. Inspired by global frameworks such as SDG 4 and UNESCO’s Education 2030 ambitions, the network will host one‑hour online discussions spotlighting different national systems. The first session focuses on Australia on 31 March at 8am BST. Participation is free—join the network to stay updated and be part of this important international dialogue.

More details can be found here.

Limited spaces remain for Leading in Uncertainty cohort 1!

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 20^th March 2026, with confirmation of places issued by Friday 27^th March. Places will be allocated equitably across the partnership.

Find out more and register your interest here.

Principal Social Workers Conference 2026 – 2^nd July - FREE:

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.