Local Authority & Political Leadership Support

The Department's expectation is that the delivery of the specified outcomes will be through, networking, targeted learning and development, diagnostic and advisory services, coaching, and mentoring. Background The Department for Education's Children's Services Improvement and Intervention programme includes a leadership development programme that targets political and corporate leaders in Local Authorities (LA).

Research into improving local children's services has identified seven key enablers of improvement, that are crucial to a well-functioning children's social care system. Leadership and governance is one of these enablers and not only focuses on stable and effective leadership throughout children's social care services but also on political leadership and corporate effectiveness, as equally important determinants of LA success.

The Department for Education's Improvement & Intervention Programme has become well established and has, since 2018, included a leadership development programme. This is targeted support to ensure local political and corporate leaders within local authorities fulfil their statutory role in providing effective scrutiny and challenge to improve children's services.

Any LA that has a lead member who does not understand the requirements of their statutory role would be a significant weakness, resulting in the delivery of poor and ineffective services for the most vulnerable children in the country. A meeting invitation will then be sent to the requested email address.

All responses received by the above deadline will be responded to by 5pm on 11th January 2021. If you are unable to attend you may request a copy of the notes by emailing Kellie.knott@education.gov.uk.

START AND END DATES OF THE CONTRACT: 1st April 2021 - 31st March 2022 with a view to possible extension up to March 2024 dependant on budget approval and successful delivery of measured objectives. There is no guarantee that this contract will extend past 31st March 2022.