Level of annual changes in holders of post of Director of Children’s Services among “highest on record”
This year has seen one of the highest levels of Director of Children’s Services (DCS) postholder changes at local authorities since the role was established.
According to new data provided by the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS), during 2023/24, 49 of 153 local authorities experienced a change in DCS post-holder, and across the 49 LAs, there were a total of 62 changes.
ACDS President, Andy Smith, noted that due to the statutory nature of the role, there must always be a serving DCS in post, which can result in short-term interim posts prior to a permanent appointment.
The average number of total changes in DCS post-holder per year currently stands at 49.
The data also revealed there has been a “continued decline” in the number of LAs with ‘twin hat’ directors, who hold the statutory duty for both children’s services and adult services. As of 31 March, there were 13 such arrangements in place.
According to the ADCS, this is the lowest number since 2009 and the same as when ADCS was formed in 2007.
The data also showed a “slight increase” in ethnic diversity amongst DCSs in 2023 compared to 2022, which Smith described as “welcome”.
He added however: “There is still more to do in terms of translating our words and commitment to improving diversity, in its widest sense, into actions that our workforce, and our communities, will recognise.”
On gender diversity, the data showed that as at 31 March 2024, there were 102 LAs with female directors and 51 LAs with male directors.
Andy Smith, ADCS President, said: “In an ever-complex landscape, children’s services need consistent and stable leadership to deliver for the children and families that we serve.
“While the number of people coming into the DCS role for the first time has been relatively stable in 2023/24, the number of DCSs moving from one LA to another along with the number of interim appointments is well above previous averages. It is good to see succession planning bearing fruit, with most new permanent DCS appointments in the last membership year being filled by assistant directors. Similarly, most interim appointments were filled, in the main, by former substantive directors of children’s services or assistant directors. However, the role of DCS is both unique and challenging and we need to pay more attention to how we support current DCSs to ensure we retain valuable skills, expertise, and experience within the sector.
“Improving equality, diversity and inclusion within the Association, and across children’s services, is an ongoing priority in my presidential year. This is the second year we have collected data on the broader protected characteristics from our members.
“[…] We want the children and families we work with to see themselves reflected in the children’s services workforce, from the frontline right through to senior leaders. ADCS remains focussed on creating a more visibly inclusive and diverse Association. We are also working with others in the public sector to achieve the change we want and need to see across wider local government and beyond. Change cannot be achieved overnight but it is something we are committed to for the long haul.”
Lottie Winson
