ADCS Conference: Guidance blurs lines of accountability for DCSs

The association also said it was troubled by the apparent dominance of safeguarding in the new guidance, saying it failed to reflect the need to balance attention on universal services such as schools, alongside protecting the most vulnerable children and young people.

Kim Bromley-Derry, president of the ADCS, said: "The percentage of the guidance focusing on safeguarding is not surprising given the current context, but it is worrying."

He added: "Particularly surprising is the lack of a role for the lead member for children's services in overseeing the standards and education agenda. Compared to the list of things that the lead member must ‘satisfy himself' with concerning safeguarding there is very little for schools and nothing for early years or the 14 to19 agenda.

"Given that 14 to 19 is one of the government's flagship policies, and one of the biggest opportunities for local government in a generation, this a startling omission. The needs of young people generally are sadly underpresented."

The ADCS also said it was concerned at the overlap between the role of a Director of Children's Services and lead member, and the increased responsibilities for chief executives and council leaders in assuring safeguarding provision.