Leading for adolesence, place and purpose
Sarah Longbottom analyses Ann Graham's inaugural ADCS presidential address in the context of the current challenges for children's services.
In the context of some of the key challenges currently facing children’s services I was struck by Ann Graham’s inaugural ADCS presidential address, which set out a clear and compelling direction for children’s services leadership; one that recognises how profoundly the context of childhood has changed and how urgently systems must adapt to meet these challenges.
The focus on adolescence outlines a long standing gap in policy and practice. While children’s social care systems were largely designed to address risks within the home, many of the most significant harms facing teenagers today exist beyond it, and are across neighbourhoods, transport networks and digital spaces which remains largely invisible to parents, carers and adults as a whole. As Ann emphasises, safeguarding must now extend into physical places and online, where young people live their lives.
The example she shared from Haringey and reframing stop and search through a safeguarding lens, demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies work differently. By sharing information, really listening to young people and acting collectively, partners are able to identify vulnerability earlier and respond more coherently to risk. What a powerful illustration of how system leadership, grounded in relationships and equity, can drive meaningful change.
Shining a light on the pressures facing Directors of Children’s Services including multiple reform programmes, rising demand, workforce strain and SEND system failure are welcome but need action. While many reforms are overdue her challenge to central government is explicit: sustainable change requires genuine partnership, shared accountability and attention to the conditions that enable effective practice.
At Faerfield, we recognise the leadership Ann describes dedicated, compassionate and resilient. These personal qualities are critical to navigating this complex environment. Positive outcomes for children and young people depend on finding and placing the right leaders, supporting them well and creating space and resources for collaboration across delivery systems.
Ann’s speech reinforces a simple but vital truth; progress for children will not come from siloed solutions, but from courageous leadership, joined up systems and an unwavering focus on adolescence as a defining stage of life.
Sarah Longbottom is Senior Consultant - Executive Interim, specialising in Adult's and Childrens' Services at Faerfield.
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