Does this improve outcomes for children?

I feel both excited and honoured to be representing ADCS colleagues at a national level and to have the opportunity to give voice to some of the challenges that face children, young people and their families, not forgetting those facing the staff who are called on to support them. I can't recall a time when our support and the services we provide have been needed more. To that end I am thankful that I can draw on the support and skills of my colleagues who chair, attend and contribute to our policy committees, in the regions and to the Association's work in other ways, as well as the ADCS staff team in our Manchester office, brilliantly led by Sarah Caton. It has never been more important to have active networks that can support the work of the Association and I would really encourage everyone who can to be an active member.

We have had some remarkable presidents and Alison, who handed over to me, was certainly one of them. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Association to drive improvements and champion children. The work that she led in crafting and launching our policy paper, A country that works for children has made a real impact and is something I am determined to build on with the support of our members and others in the sector. Thankfully, as immediate past president, her support and wise counsel will still be available to both me and the Association. Alison you have truly been a star. I am also fortunate to be supported by our new vice president Rachel Dickinson, DCS in Barnsley. (I have known Rachel since we undertook our DCS training together as part of Cohort 5.)

In my inaugural speech I outlined the Association's priorities for the coming year. I look forward to working with those both in and outside ADCS towards the delivery of these priorities, building on Alison's legacy of delivering a country that works all for children.

Now, more than ever, we need to ensure the needs of children, particularly the most disadvantaged, are at the forefront of government's thinking. I made no apology in starting with the need to ensure the system is adequately resourced for the task we face. There is currently a projected £2bn shortfall in children's services by 2020 which will coincide with an estimated 5m children living in poverty. All of this comes at a time when the demand for services is on the increase.