DCS retention scheme to launch second phase
Neil Puffett
Monday, May 17, 2021
A government-backed initiative to address issues around recruitment and retention of directors of children’s services (DCS) is to begin its second phase, it has been announced.
The programme, called “Upon” was developed in response to a combination of high turnover and short tenures of DCSs within local authorities, highlighted in reports by the Association of Directors of Children’s Services in recent years.
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Starting in late November 2020 and running until June 2021, the first Upon Programme has been working with 20 aspirant directors. The programme, led by a consortium formed between The Staff College, Institute of Public Care, Skills for Care and GatenbySanderson, is now looking to take on 35 candidates in the second phase, which will begin in September and run until March 2022.
Sessions will a blend of virtual and face-to-face learning – subject to Covid restrictions. As well as eight “taught” days, candidates will take part in learning visits, action learning and leadership challenge activities. Content will be tailored around the needs of the cohort, using the skills and experience of participants as well as the expertise of facilitators and contributors.
Research published last month found that changes in leadership roles across local authority children services departments was at its lowest in a decade over the last year. There were just 39 changes of director of children’s services (DCS) in 2020/21 across all 151 local authorities – the lowest level since 2011/12.
Analysis conducted by CYP Now in 2014 found that local authorities that keep hold of their directors of children's services (DCS) perform better in Ofsted inspections than those that change regularly.
Jo Davidson, principal of The Staff College, said the aim of the programme is to demonstrate what life is like as a DCS to “better prepare candidates for the journey they’ll take, with the sole aim of making a positive change to children’s lives”.
“We are extremely pleased that we are able to increase the number of participants on our programme. We are confident the benefits will be far reaching long after the course completion for all those who rely upon our work,” she said.
Barry McNeil, practice lead for leadership and organisational development at GatenbySanderson said: “We are delighted to be working as part of the upon team to ensure all candidates fulfil their leadership potential.
“Fundamentally, we aim to accelerate change by giving upon participants the tools they need to navigate complex challenges, which they will undoubtedly face as they undertake this most vital work within their role as directors of children's services."
