Latest Public Sector News

21.09.17

Essex CC called in to fix ‘inadequate’ Worcestershire care services

Essex County Council has officially been appointed to make major improvements in the children’s social care services at Worcestershire County Council.

At the start of the year, an Ofsted report rated the services for both looked-after children and those needing help and protection as ‘inadequate’ for the second year in a row.

And now, Essex CC has been called in to the authority due to its ‘best in class’ track record for driving improvements in children’s social care.

The appointment has been approved by the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) commissioner for children’s services in Worcestershire, Trevor Doughty.

“Our priority is to make sure that long-term improvements are made to children and young people's lives in Worcestershire,” said Cllr Andy Roberts, cabinet member with responsibility for children and families. 

“We remain absolutely committed to that and we have already allocated an extra £5.1m into improving children’s social care in Worcestershire this year.

“I am pleased that Essex County Council has now been formally appointed as our Improvement Partner. Essex will support us to deliver the improvements that we need to deliver.”

Following the commissioner’s report, which was published today, a recommendation to voluntarily restructure children’s services will be discussed at a future council meeting this month.

A strategy for children and young people in the area has also been launched this week that sets out the direction for service changes going forward.

Comments

There are no comments. Why not be the first?

Add your comment

public sector executive tv

more videos >

last word

Prevention: Investing for the future

Prevention: Investing for the future

Rob Whiteman, CEO at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance (CIPFA), discusses the benefits of long-term preventative investment. Rising demand, reducing resource – this has been the r more > more last word articles >

public sector focus

View all News

comment

Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

21/06/2019Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

Taking time to say thank you is one of the hidden pillars of a society. Bei... more >
How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

19/06/2019How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

Tom Chance, director at the National Community Land Trust Network, argues t... more >

interviews

Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

17/12/2018Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

It’s no secret that the public sector and its service providers need ... more >