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Children’s Services

Improving the lives of 100,000 children by maximising value and eradicating unnecessary demand in children's services.

The challenge

There is a commonly-held view that delivering high quality outcomes in local government can be achieved if the right controls and processes are in place. At IMPOWER, we believe this to be an illusion. At their heart, public services are complex, where outcomes are not linear, responsibilities are distributed, and where success depends on creating the right relationships across and between system boundaries.

The demands placed on children’s services departments have risen continually over the last ten years, and budgets have been cut as a result of austerity measures enforced by central government. By reframing the challenge and looking at complexity across the system, we have proven that demand can be managed and that better outcomes can cost less.

Our solution

Our Valuing Children campaign has three elements: Target Demand Redesign, Reframing Special Educational Needs & Disability, and Valuing Care. Individually and collectively, they look beyond the traditional boundaries in local government and use individuals’ needs to inform service design and to demonstrate value.

This approach requires new tools, insights, skills and metrics. Rather than managing savings spreadsheets, we focus on changing behaviours at the frontline and on managing trajectories so that change is truly embedded and service users get the right support at the right cost and at the right time.

Our unique approach gives Directors of Children’s Services the evidence and the confidence to understand the value of their services. Through our campaign, we aim to improve the lives of 100,000 more children by maximising value and eradicating unnecessary demand in children’s services.

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Work with us

Relationships start with a conversation. Here’s how to get in touch.

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Bevan Brittan Shared Learning Event – 3 reflections on the Government’s children’s social care reform agenda

Bevan Brittan Shared Learning Event – 3 reflections on…

On Thursday 7 March I joined Bevan Brittan for a shared learning event focused on the government’s children’s social care…

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3 key takeaways from our Valuing Care shared learning event

3 key takeaways from our Valuing Care shared learning event

50 children’s services leaders discussed the ways in which their organisations are using insight on children’s needs to transform practice and commissioning.

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Getting out of the helicopter: can public service leaders see the details hidden within the full picture?

Getting out of the helicopter: can public service leaders…

I’ve been struck by IMPOWER's strategic focus on delivering long-lasting change for the public sector.

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New Data Strategy and Children’s Social Care reform strategy – opportunity to widen the ambition through a focus on children’s needs?

New Data Strategy and Children’s Social Care reform…

For the first time, this data provides an in-depth picture and breakdown of the needs of England’s care population, the connection with cost, and the impact of care on children and young people over time.

REPORTS & PUBLICATIONS

Valuing Care – joint report with CCN

Valuing Care – joint report with CCN

Using data to improve children and young people's lives

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Reflections about the High Hopes for High Needs programme

Reflections about the High Hopes for High Needs programme

The annual programme report highlights how we work with parents, councils, education settings and many other people to deliver frontline change that makes a practical and positive difference to the lives of children and young people with different needs. 

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Elevating ambitions through co-production at NCASC 2023

Elevating ambitions through co-production at NCASC 2023

As lead sponsor for the event, find out what we are doing at this year's National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCASC).

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From Derby to IMPOWER – my transition

From Derby to IMPOWER – my transition

A new way of working that enables me to support the High Needs system across the UK.

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Why we need a different approach to children’s social care and health – 4 takeaways from our shared learning event

Why we need a different approach to children’s social care…

IMPOWER hosted a shared learning event focussed on how system leaders, practitioners and commissioners can collaborate to better meet the needs of children and families requiring support from Children’s Services.

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IMPOWER announced as delivery partner to the government’s SEND & AP programme

IMPOWER announced as delivery partner to the government’s…

Working alongside three other partners, IMPOWER will provide support to the Department for Education and the local areas involved - helping to plan, design and test reforms outlined in the Government’s SEND & AP Improvement Plan.

REPORTS & PUBLICATIONS

High Needs Impact Report 2023

High Needs Impact Report 2023

Impact of the 2022–2023 High Hopes for High Needs programme, steered by the Delivery Advisory Board, who worked with six local areas to create a more resilient SEND system, and improve SEND services for 80,000 children and young people.

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Society of County Treasurers’ Spring Seminar: the challenges in children’s social care

Society of County Treasurers’ Spring Seminar: the…

Some counties are delivering more for less within children’s social care. There is evidence that working differently can improve outcomes.

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