Regional Update – November 2025
- paulmartin.brewster
- 35 minutes ago
- 6 min read
From Shropshire’s DCS:
As we approach the end of another busy year, with the promise of festivities around the corner, I can't believe it's been 3 months since I took up post as the DCS in Shropshire! During this time, there's been highs, lows, challenges and celebrations!
Having spoken to fellow DCS colleagues, who have been in their role much longer than I, this seems to be the lived experience of our roles. Whilst this inevitably brings challenges, it also makes our role in public service such a joy, as the ability to make a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and families across our local areas, and through our collective work the region, has never been so important.
We have seen many examples of this, from tragic events unfolding in local communities, Ofsted touring our region providing check and challenge to local areas, whilst acknowledging their hard work, dedication and tenacity. To regional and national celebrations through our Team Excellence Awards and the National Social Worker of the Year Awards, where Andrea Bassi from Birmingham Children's Trust was celebrated as Children's Social Worker of the Year. We must hold onto these positive moments as energy to recharge our batteries.
I also wanted to acknowledge the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Sara Sharif and convey our heart felt support as a region to Rachel and members of the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership.
We continue to face uncertainty in the national policy landscape. As the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill continues its journey towards Royal Assent, the development of the Families First Programme continues in earnest, as we work together to translate this into new local arrangements, whilst continuing our work each day. Some might describe this as 'building the plane, whilst it's in the air', but I think we'd probably describe it more as our 'business as usual' these days.
Although SEND reforms have been delayed, the SEND and AP Change Programme is still progressing in several areas within the region. This is helping to shape the development of national policy and our RIIA work.
Whatever comes next, we will approach it together with strength, purpose and ambition for children, young people and families. We know we'll all have our tough days, but still have lots to keep us optimistic for the future.
Kind regards
David Shaw
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.
Follow us on LinkedIn:
We’re reigniting our LinkedIn presence.
With strong backing from our DCS’s, we’re developing a regional Recruitment Hub for children’s services—and LinkedIn will be central to its success. Our page has been quiet, and we know some followers may have tuned out. But we’re now driving fresh, purposeful activity to showcase our workforce and attract talent. Every like, repost, and follow helps. If you haven’t visited us lately, now’s the time to reconnect and support the movement.
Recognising Autism in Children and Young People – Practitioner Perspective:
ADASS are seeking practitioners to take part in a short survey, which forms part of a wider piece of research to explore the experiences of people with lived experience of autism; including children and young people, parents, carers and practitioners working in social care, health and education.
For more details, click here.
Research Pathways in social work and occupational therapy webinar:
Are you a social worker or occupational therapist? Are you an interested in pursuing a PhD or research Masters’ degree?
Join Colleagues from University of Birmingham at a webinar to discuss research pathways at 4pm on Tuesday 2nd December 2025
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.
Strengthening CYP Voice and Parental Confidence – Next Steps:
A draft action plan is now in place for the Strengthening Children and Young People’s Voice and Parental Confidence initiative. Initial concepts have already been shared with the NNPCF Lead for the West Midlands, and further details will be presented to other Parent Carer Forum leads on 8 December.
The next phase will focus on bringing local leaders together in a Good Practice Sharing Forum. This will help shape a regional support plan aimed at improving co-production and ensuring children and young people are actively involved in decision-making within their local areas.
For more detail contact Natalie Bevan.
Upcoming Conferences and Events
Quality Assurance Conference 8th December – FREE
Our colleagues in the Southeast region have kindly extended an invitation to their SESLIP QA Conference on Monday 8th December in London. The event will focus on co-designing an audit tool to explore how inclusion is embedded in practice. One QA Lead per local authority is invited. Lunch is provided.
Broadway House, London | 🕤 9:30–4:30Register via the flyer QR code
Masterclasses
All masterclasses are virtual and FREE to attend for staff from the regions LA/Trusts and members of their multi-agency partnership.
Breathe Trust Connect
Breathe Trust Connect invites you to attend a masterclass on 15th December at 11am. We will be sharing an overview of our service offers, including our newest offer New Growth (for care experienced birthing people aged 16-30), as well as offering attendees the opportunity to hear about our journey of growth since 2020 to current date. We hope to inspire other organisations working hard to safeguard its children and demonstrate how investing in prevention services reduces intergenerational trauma, recurrent care proceedings, and brings hope for the future of parents and children within our communities.
The National House Project
Join us for a Masterclass on 16th December, where the team will take a deeper look at how the House Project approach works in practice. This interactive session will highlight the principles behind the success of the approach, offering valuable insights for local authorities and partners seeking to strengthen support for young people leaving care.
TREES (Tackling, Reducing and Ending Exploitation in Shropshire)
We’re delighted to welcome TREES to Innovate & Grow 2026. The team will share their learning from developing a whole-system response to child exploitation and risk outside the home. Join us for a Masterclass on 17th December, offering a deeper insight into how Shropshire is embedding contextual safeguarding into everyday practice. This interactive session will highlight practical tools, case examples, and multi-agency approaches that strengthen resilience and ensure a coordinated response to exploitation.
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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