From Herefordshire’s DCS:
There’s something truly rewarding about being a part of real, meaningful improvement in a service and seeing the hard work everyone has put in being publicly recognised. Having made the decision it was time for me to move on and leave Worcestershire in the safe hands of a new DCS and sustained leadership, I had what I can only describe as a personal and professional calling to join Herefordshire. It was a decision I’ve never regretted, and to be part of the achievements we have and continue to make is so rewarding. It's this that reminds me why I do this work and why retirement can wait a little longer!
It’s been fantastic to see real traction now happening and importantly to remember “progress” isn’t just about numbers or processes; it’s also about people. Leading and experiencing the transformation first hand as staff grow in confidence, receive increasingly positive feedback from families and partners and as teams evolve into quality services is a pride and privilege to see and be part of.
One of the things I appreciate most about working in this region is the professional respect that we have and are given regardless of our Ofsted judgement! It’s refreshing to be seen for the value we bring rather than just the label we carry. In a world where titles and structures can sometimes overshadow the real work being done, it means a lot to engage with people who recognize and appreciate our contributions. So, to the region, thank you.
There is perhaps a sense of anticipation, perhaps even some apprehension, for many of us about the volume of change expected this year, not just in Children’s Services but in the public sector. However, this is balanced by a sense of measured optimism that comes from knowing, as a region, we have a wealth of experience and bottomless support across between us.
This commitment to collaboration and shared learning is one of the many reasons I think the West Midlands is such a great place to work. The very occasional bottomless brunch might also be an added pleasure!
I look forward to seeing the journey of growth and success in the future.
Kind regards
Tina Russell
West Midlands BALI programme:
We are pleased to be able to congratulate the 25 participant who recently completed the BALI programme. They were Joined for their final session by Sukriti Sen who also awarded them with their certificate.
This round of BALI was commissioned specifically for children’s services employees from the West Midlands. Feedback has been extremely positive, and we are currently considering how we might follow up with a further round. Please watch this space for further details.
Secondment opportunity – Regional SEND RIIA Co-ordinator:
We currently have an opportunity to second a member of children’s services workforce from any of our constituent LA areas to cover the above position.
The role is for two days a week with salary being agreed, in line with the successful applicant’s grade.
For more details, please see the Job Description. And for an informal conversation, please contact Paul Brewster.
To apply, please submit your CV and a 500-750 word written description of how you meet the requirements of the role. This should be sent to the Regional Team by close of business on Friday 28th February 2025.
National Leadership Development Programme:
The Staff College is proud to announce the launch of our new National Leadership Development Programme. This brand-new multi-agency Programme is aimed at ‘Heads of Service’ (or equivalent) who are aspiring to an AD role.
To find out more, and to book your place, click here.
SEND Leadership Programme:
SEND Leadership Capacity remains a key priority; not all WM LAs have permanent, stable strategic SEND leadership. Peter Gray’s financial review in the West Midlands and his work with ten LAs nationally highlights this as a key factor in terms of risk. Securing high quality interim SEND leaders is challenging. Growing capacity and supporting aspiring leaders within the region is essential.
The joint NDTi / RIIA SEND Leadership programme has run for several years in the Midlands, is well-respected and continues to be over-subscribed. The 2024 cohort had a good mix of Education and Social Care leaders, one Parent & Carer Forum Chair, and seven WM NHS leaders, a mixture of Designated Clinical / Medical Officers, ICB and NHS England staff. Several have cited the programme as key in supporting their career development and securing promotion.
We are in the process of commissioning the Staff College to run a programme for the West Midlands in 2025. For further information or to make nominations, please contact Jane Carter.
Upcoming Conferences and Events
Intersectionality: Is poverty the missing link – 13th March - FREE:
This conference has been organised by Social Work Faculty at the University of Manitoba, Université de Saint-Boniface, Lakehead University, Nottingham Trent University and Birmingham City University, following last year’s popular conference on the same topic. This event will continue exploration of the theme, and includes speakers from India, Canada, and the UK. Although the event will be of interest to people with lived experience of social work and social care services, social work practitioners, social work students, field instructors/practice educators and social work academics, it will also be of interest to colleagues from other disciplines, and all are very welcome.
More details and to book, please click here.
Speech, Language and Communication in the first 1001 days – 20th March - FREE:
For details of this FREE in person conference as we travel on a learning journey of speech, language and communication in the first 1001 days please click here.
Details of how to book are available here.
Leading Effective Multi-Agency Partnerships for Supporting Children at Risk of Involvement in Violence – 20th March - FREE:
Directors of Children’s Services and other senior leaders in children’s services are invited to this full day conference in Birmingham. Attendance is free.
This event will focus on bringing together senior leaders across statutory and third sector organisations who work with children at risk of involvement in violence and will consider a wide range of evidence and innovative practice on effective multi-agency working.
Consideration will also be given to effective multi-agency practice for Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups, as well as effective multi-agency working in pressured environments, the impact on staff, and how best to support them.
For further information, please find the webpage here.
Spaces are limited so please register your interest via the link here.
Innovate and Grow Conference - 17th March 2025 - FREE:
***FINAL CALL***
Last Few Tickets Remaining – Sign Up Now
The Innovate and Grow Conference is your chance to connect with leaders, innovators, and practitioners shaping the future of care for children and families across various sectors within the West Midlands region.
This free event will showcases outstanding work, featuring inspiring speakers, practical solutions, and opportunities to collaborate, inspire and innovate, together we’ll build stronger, more connected communities.
Don’t miss out – secure your place today, please share with your networks and comms teams.
More details can be found here.
Secure your spot today using this link – Innovate and Grow Conference 2025: Regional Conference on Practice and Development
West Midlands Child Sexual Abuse Response Pathway - Webinar and Training Dates:
Please see attached the Child Sexual Abuse Response Pathway Webinar and Training dates for this year is available here - this workstream is being led by Solihull Children's Services who, in collaboration with all regional Children's Services, Policing and other agencies.
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