Birmingham City Council children’s services to be run by voluntary trust

Birmingham City Council children’s services are to be run by a voluntary trust, following years of criticism, previously being labelled a “national disgrace” by Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw.

The voluntary trust will run the children’s services department under a “new model” that will put “social workers at its centre”, says the authority.

The move follows the appointment of Lord Norman Warner at the council's children's services in 2014 to drive a three-year improvement plan. Andrew Christie, Children's Services Commissioner in Birmingham, said:

I have seen that Birmingham City Council and its social workers are striving to make improvements. Progress has been made, but they and I recognise that much more needs to be done. The city council has decided that one of the things it now needs to do is to strengthen governance with a children's services trust.

• Birmingham City Council children’s services to be run by voluntary trust after being branded a “national disgrace” – Independent, 25 May 2016