Number of 'twin-hat' children's services leaders falls

Research by the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) reveals that, as of 31 March 2016, there were 58 so-called “twin-hat” children and adult directors – the equivalent of 38.2 per cent of local authorities.

This compares with 61 as of 31 March 2015, representing the first annual fall following steady increases over the past eight years.

The report points to the fact that the number of twin-hatters has now been at a consistent level for the past three years.

“Following such sharp increases in the number of twin-hatters it may be a case there will consistently be 35 to 40 per cent of local authorities opting to operate with a combined service," the report states.

“Future reports will continue to monitor these trends.”

Last year, current ADCS president Dave Hill, himself a twin-hatter, warned that there was a challenge to protect the role of director of children's services (DCS).

“The ADCS has huge work to do to make sure the position is not eroded,” he said.

“I still feel passionately that having one person, even if they have two hats, has been a major success over the past 10 years.

In May 2014, local chief executives group Solace called for the role to be scrapped.

The ADCS report also revealed that overall turnover within the DCS role has remained relatively constant in recent years. In 2015/16 there were 55 changes in DCS post holder, compared with 53 in 2014/15, 61 in 2013/14, and 54 in 2012/13.

The report also reveals that in 2015/16 there was a high number of new DCS appointments, with 24 in total. Of the 24 new appointments, 18 have been from assistant director, or second-tier level.

Four new appointments were existing directors of adult services – three of which were in the same local authority and have had children’s services added to their remit.

There have also been two instances of directors from other directorates that are not children’s or adult services taking on the DCS role, both of which were initially interim appointments but have since become permanent positions.