Our Regional Chair’s end of year message:   As we reach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved together across the West Midlands. This is both my first and last end-of-year message as Chair, as my eight years as the DCS in Warwickshire comes to an end in the Spring. It has been a privilege to step into the role of Chair and see firsthand the strength, resilience, and ambition that define our region.   2025 has been a year of progress and...

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...

From Sandwell Children’s Trust’s Chief Executive and our QPPG Sponsor: Autumn is a season of reflection and renewal. As the days shorten and the pace steadies, we find ourselves deep in the work — focused, collaborative, and committed to making a difference.   At Sandwell, we’ve welcomed inspectors as part of our Ofsted ILACS. It’s a moment that naturally brings reflection — not just on progress, but on the values and relationships that underpin everything we do. It’s also a reminder that...