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There have been a bunch of questions about the review over the weekend. Here’s my best go at answering ones that have been asked by a few people..
1) Is this a review of ‘care’ or of the whole of children’s social care? It’s the whole thing and that’s why it’s exciting. The system of CSC is so interconnected that to look at one part (say, residential children’s homes) alone would limit the opportunity for big change
2) Why are you creating an Experts by Experience Group? It shouldn’t be down to me alone to decide how the review hears from the thousands of people who need this system to work. I need help deciding this and the EbE is *one* structured way of doing this https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/952622/Experts_by_Experience_Group_terms_of_reference_.pdf
3) Why do people need to apply to join this group? With so many people who could be on this group (lots have already generously offered to help) there needs to be a fair way of deciding. The application process has been made as simple as possible. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/952623/Experts_by_Experience_Group_expression_of_interest.pdf
3 continued) … I understand why some may not want to apply - there will be lots of ways to contribute to the review in a big way once we’re up and running.
4) Who can be on the EbE Group? The group is for anyone who's had a social worker + therefore personal experience of children’s social care. Includes children, parents, carers, extended family members, adults with care experience. Been asked about foster parents- yes also welcome
5) How else can I get involved? I start chairing the review in March so need a few more weeks to pull plans together but there will be extensive opportunities to engage in the review. Very open to your ideas too https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=yXfS-grGoU2187O4s0qC-VSp_Dq1jAJHgJuI5y8Jr3BUM1JJSFdNWDkzOUdLVjc0TzIyRks1NE1TSy4u
6) How will I be independent? I’m standing down from my current role and charity boards so that I'm focussed on the review. I’ve spent 8 yrs working in children’s social care and many in DfE and elsewhere will tell you that I have my own views and share them!
6 continued) .. A few suggest that because I've secured government funding for charitable programmes I won’t be independent. By this logic, those in LAs, academia or elsewhere who secure public funding for projects would fail the independence test
6 continued) ..If that's the logic then fair enough but I ask that those who are sceptical to judge me by my actions. Helping to get children a decent and fair start in life has been the focus of my career and that’s what will drive this review
7) Why has my email/message not been answered? The review team is still coming together and I don’t start the role until March so please bear with us. We will reply. I would also gladly share my own review email address but I don’t have one set up yet!
Finally, a plea from me that we be a bit more generous with one another on social media. It’s a notoriously bad forum for discussion but we can disagree without being disagreeable
