The number of councils that changed their director of children's services (DCS) has fallen to a five-year low, latest figures show.
Annual data from the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) reveals there were 44 DCS post holder changes in 2016/17, compared with 55 in 2015/16.
The fall was largely attributable to fewer new DCS appointments being made - 16 is the lowest ever recorded by ADCS (see table).
In 2013/14, when 61 DCS post-holders were changed, concerns were raised about the impact that instability in children's services leadership could have on services.
In light of this, a drop in the rate of churn in DCSs is, on the face of it, welcome, says Dave Hill, executive director for adult social care and education at Essex County Council and former ADCS president.
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