Analysis

Key children’s services challenges to shape next ADCS presidency

6 mins read Social Care
The new president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services Andy Smith identifies tackling social care reforms, workforce pressures and demand for SEND support as priorities for his year in office.
Andy Smith is also director of children and adult services at Derby City Council. Picture: ADCS
Andy Smith is also director of children and adult services at Derby City Council. Picture: ADCS

Andy Smith steps into the role of president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) during an election year in which the state of public services – including those for disadvantaged children and families – are tipped to be high on the agenda.

Smith, Derby City Council’s director of children and adult services, credits his own experience growing up in care – he was adopted by his foster carers aged 11 – as inspiring him to become a social worker.

Reflecting on three decades in frontline social care practice, where he specialised in child protection, and senior management, he says: “I can say from experience that we can’t underestimate the impact social workers have on the lives of those they work with. I like to think that I was always meant to be a social worker, you could say it was in my blood.”

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