Your ADCS Network Support Team
WM ADCS NETWORK TEAM
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Mike Bowden – Executive Lead
I joined the West Midlands team at the start of 2021 and, although I am only here for 5 days per month (alongside work for the Staff College, principally leading the Aspirant DCS programme, as well as for IPC) I am enjoying getting to know the region and supporting the development of region-wide collaboration and improvement.
I am a former Director of Children’s Services (and Adult Services) in the South West region, where I was the regional lead for sector-led improvement. I am keen to promote the work of the DCS network and to ensure we are engaging effectively with national agendas and opportunities, as well as having a really clear plan and priorities for improvement work within the West Midlands.
Alongside support for the DCS Network and Governance Board, I am supporting the Safe Centre Partnership Board, which is seeking to develop an innovative and graduated set of services linked to secure provision for children and young people in our region.
Paul Brewster – Communications and Relationships Manager
Having worked in a number of senior operational positions for several local authorities who have been on a change and improvement journey as well as a short time working on practice improvement projects in the third sector, I am well placed to help facilitate the regional DCS network in facing off current challenges. Whilst prominently supporting the DCS Network and RIIA Governance Board, I also am the main contact, within the regional team, for:
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Education and Skills Network
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Early Help and Targeted Support Network
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Strategic Commissioning Network
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Strategic Performance Network
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Liberty Protection Safeguards
Nafeesa Ali – Programme Support Officer
I have been part of the regional team for over 2 years and have developed an understanding and ability to support, plan and coordinate the activities required for a successful programme. Whilst at the same time increasing and improving my knowledge of Children’s services. I support Paul as well as Mike and the Directors of Children’s Services with key administration and calendar management duties. I also support colleagues from the LGA and DfE with clerical tasks. As the senior administrator in the team I deliver onboarding support for new team members such as Lizzie. Having worked in the admin sector for over 8 years, I believe I’m become an all rounder when it comes to admin.
Anastasia Davies – Quality and Practice Lead.
I have worked in a number of roles within Children's Social Work including Deputy Consultant Social Worker (DCSW) for Frontline, Liquid Logic project implementation leader, Practice Educator and Signs of Safety Champion. I have recently been seconded from my previous role as a DCSW to support and lead the Quality of Practice drive within the WM ADCS Network alongside the Chairs of the following workstreams, task and finish groups and policy led projects:
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Quality of Performance and Practice Group (QPPG) – Previously known as SCAD - Social Care Assistant Directors Network.
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Participation Network Leads (PLN)
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Principal Social Workers Network (PSW)
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National Transfer Scheme (NTS) – Network now combined with UASC Network supported via WM SMP
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NAAS – Regional Network Task and Finish Group (Chair).
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Workforce and Development. Alongside Paul Brewster; we will be developing and refreshing the Workforce Workstream and strategy in collaboration with senior leaders.
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Links with West Midlands Teaching Partnership.
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Quality and Practice related regional work to include policy changes that impact on Childrens Services. i.e. Probation and Safeguarding Checks
Lizzie White – Regional Project Administrator for Quality and Practice.
I am a recent graduate from university and am keen to support and build regional networking as well as grow my experience working in local government.
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I have recently joined the team and will be working to support with administration and project tasks predominantly alongside the Quality and Practice Workstreams with Ana. My role in the team includes organising meetings and events, coordinating workstreams, minute taking, as well as general organisational tasks in order to ensure the smooth running of workstreams.
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We are looking forward to supporting your networks going forward and welcome your comments, suggestions, and ideas of how we can best meet your needs. In the coming weeks and months, you will be receiving updates on regional working including developments that can enhance regional collaboration. Watch this space!