Turning the corner on improvement

This year January has been an important month for me working in Norfolk as the outcome of our recent ILACS has been published after our long-awaited inspection last November. I’m pleased to report it was very ‘good’ news. Those of you who know Norfolk will know the significant and systemic challenges we have faced over a number of years as we were on our long improvement journey involving multiple improvement and intervention masters, a cast of senior leaders and relentless media scrutiny. 

I am so pleased with the result for our committed staff who have stuck with it. From a frontline member of staff to a senior leader, it’s not easy joining an authority on an improvement journey, but on reflection while it is challenging, and there is no magic bullet to solve the challenges faced, it can be the most rewarding and fulfilling experience both professionally and personally. I know we are all always on an improvement journey but for those colleagues just at the start of this process, or working through it now, always remember to visit the open door of regional ADCS colleagues and the network of national ADCS policy committees as you can bet someone else will have some words of advice or support to offer.