Regional Update – September 2025

From Birmingham Children’s Trusts Chief Executive and our RIIA Sponsor:

September always feels like a fresh start. The beginning of the academic year gives us that natural moment to pause, look back at what we’ve achieved, and set our sights on what comes next. This year, though, there’s a real sense of momentum building across the West Midlands — a feeling that we’re not just moving forward, but stepping into a new chapter together.

Last month, Alison Hinds shared some reflections on stability, ambition, and collaboration — and those themes really ring true as I think about where we are now. The most obvious signs of progress have come through Ofsted. Huge congratulations are due to colleagues in Shropshire and Walsall, who have both been judged Outstanding. Alongside Telford & Wrekin, that now gives us three Outstanding local authorities in the region — something we should all be proud of. These results don’t happen overnight; they’re the product of years of hard work, consistency, and a relentless focus on children.

Stability in leadership has played a big part in this. By November, every local authority in our region will have a permanent Director of Children’s Services in post. That’s a milestone worth noting. With John Macilwraith about to start in Dudley, and new appointments already made in Solihull and Shropshire, the era of interim leadership is coming to an end. Permanent leadership means greater consistency, clearer direction, and the confidence to plan for the long term — all of which benefit our children and families.

Our Regional Improvement and Innovation Alliance (RIIA) is also stepping up with fresh energy. Thanks to the £1.6 million grant we’ve secured for 2025/26, we now have the resources to deliver a really ambitious programme — from peer challenges and SEND diagnostics, to shared policies and audit moderation. But more importantly, we have a chance to do this in a way that strengthens relationships across the region and builds lasting capacity. Improvement isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about working together, sharing what works, and being honest about the challenges we still face.

And it’s not just about improvement — it’s about celebration too. On 26^th September, we’ll come together for this year’s West Midlands Team Excellence Awards at Bescot Stadium. For me, this event is always one of the highlights of the year. It’s a chance to celebrate the incredible people who make a difference every day — often behind the scenes, without fanfare. Every local authority will be putting forward their own Team of Excellence, and for the first time, we’ll also be recognising an individual whose contribution has been truly extraordinary. There are no “winners” on the night, because every team and every story we hear is already something to be proud of.

Of course, there’s plenty still on our to-do list. We’re continuing to drive forward the SEND reforms, making sure the voices of children, young people, and families are central to everything we do. We’re also keeping a close eye on areas where we need to challenge ourselves — including the issue of “over-intervention” in some parts of the system. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they’re essential if we want to make real and lasting change.

So as we head into autumn, I feel hopeful. We’ve got momentum, we’ve got stable leadership, we’ve got fresh investment in improvement, and we’ve got so much good practice to celebrate. Most importantly, we’ve got a region full of committed, passionate people who want the very best for children and families. That combination is powerful — and I’m excited to see where it takes us.

Kind regards

James Thomas

Regional SEND Co-ordinator:

We are pleased to invite Natalie Bevan to the Regional Team, in her role as SEND Co-ordinator.

Natalie will be a familiar face to many, having led on the Change Programme in the West Mercia part of the region, and also being an active participant in several of our SEND networks.

Natalie will be working on Monday and Fridays, building on the work started by Jane Carter and being responsible for parts of our RIIA Grant Delivery Plan.

Natalie can be emailed at natalie.bevan@wmchildrensservices.org.uk

Families First Partnership Network Leaders Day:

The Regional Team will be hosting the Families First Partnership Network Leaders Day on 2nd October at The Studio, Birmingham. Chaired by Sandeep Virk, the event will bring together implementation leads and colleagues to focus on MACPTs, share progress across local authorities, and highlight the child’s journey through this process.

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.

Care Leavers Policy Workshop convened by the Rees Centre:                                  

14 October 2025, from 10:00 to 12:00 

Location: MS Teams

Convened by the Rees Centre (University of Oxford), University of Sussex, Become and North Yorkshire Council as part of the Children’s Information Project to share the learning from two recent research studies.  The workshop will give you the chance to:

·       Hear the emerging findings from two studies which aim to better understand how outcome frameworks for care leaving services can better reflect what care leavers themselves say is important.

·       Work with care-experienced group facilitators to help refine a set of recommendations for policy and practice, and associated influencing activity during National Care Leavers month in November.  We want to ensure we produce recommendations that are ambitious, do justice to what care leavers are telling us, and have clear and realistic next steps that have been discussed with those responsible for policy and delivery.

 Places are limited so please complete this booking form by no later than Friday 26 September to secure your place. 

Upcoming Conferences and Events

PWLE Seminar: Child contact problems and the Family Court - FREE

15 Oct 2025, 09:30 – 11:00

Microsoft Teams

This unique training session explores the complex and often overlooked challenges faced by men navigating child contact issues. Through real-world insights and professional reflection, the session aims to deepen understanding and improve outcomes for families.

Deadline to register: Monday 22nd of September

For more details click here.

Inequality in the Workplace: What are we doing about it? What can be done? - FREE

Thursday 16^th October, 2:00pm-5:00pm

This conference will be of interest to people with lived experience of social work and social care, social work academics, practitioners, students, field instructors/practice educators, and practitioners in the helping professions, but all are welcome.  For more details follow this link.

The link to register for a place can be found here.

Webinar on Parenting disabled children and young people and those with Special Educational Needs – FREE

Monday 6th October, 11am and Tuesday 14th October,10.30am -12.00pm

Following the recent publication of the Parenting disabled children and young people and those with Special Educational Needs, developed by Foundations and commissioned by Department for Education, are offering online session for local leaders and practitioners. There will be two opportunities:

·       Monday 6th October, 11am -12.30pm - please use this link to sign up

·       Tuesday 14th October,10.30am -12.00pm - please use this link to sign up

Regional Safeguarding Conference 27^th November – FREE

This year’s Regional Safeguarding Network Annual Conference will be at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club on 27th November 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.

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.