Reflections on NCASC 2024: A Call to Action & Paving the Path to Meaningful Reform

“It’s not enough for us to merely aspire to better outcomes. We must ensure every decision, and every policy asks the question: ‘Is this good enough for my child?’”

This year’s National Children and Adult Services Conference was, as ever, thought-provoking, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The conversations were rich, the urgency palpable, and the call to action clear: it’s time for meaningful reform. These reflections explore some of the key themes from the conference, particularly how they intersect with recruitment, workforce development, and leadership.

The conference opened with a simple but profound question: “Is this good enough for my child?”, emphasising that this sentiment must be at the heartbeat of every policy, decision, and reform. Setting the tone for the 3-day conference, the opening note not only highlighted the challenges but called for actionable solutions to creating better outcomes for children and adults alike.

Time for Reform is Now
The need for reform was a central theme, but meaningful change requires both patience and persistence. Indeed, COVID-19’s legacy continues to ripple through the social care landscape, exacerbating vulnerabilities linked to poverty, housing, and access to services. Andy Smith (Director of People at Derby City Council) emphasised the pandemic’s lasting impact, particularly on children. This is visible in increasing mental health needs, behavioural challenges, and family breakdowns driven by financial pressures. Similarly, Councillor Arooj Shah shared a sobering statistic when outlining that “1 in 6 children under 16 now face a mental health issue.”  As such, the system must adapt; the crisis will only deepen further without timely intervention.

For adult social care, the emphasis on a long-term vision was pronounced as critical. The proposed 10-year plan for adult social care, mirroring the NHS’s plan, signals a much-needed shift. It is vital that reform is supported by equitable funding and a commitment to developing the workforce through apprenticeships and career pathways - areas where recruitment plays a crucial role. Equally, the honest, transparent advice of recruitment consultants in supporting the development of the workforce can be invaluable in helping people make informed, career-defining decisions.

SEND: The Biggest Challenge?
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) was emphasised as one of the most urgent priorities. Despite increased funding, outcomes for children with additional needs continue to decline. The system, repeatedly described as “broken,” is mounting financial pressures on local authorities, evident in the £1.25 billion projected cost of home-to-school transport.

To improve outcomes, the root cause must be tackled immediately. Fundamental reform across the system by central government, in consultation with local authority leaders, is required. Today’s modern world requires modern solutions. We need leaders who can think strategically, advocate for equity in care, and drive innovative solutions to address disparities in geography, socio-economic status, and ethnicity to ensure every child in every part of the country reaches their full potential.

Integrated Partnerships: The Path Forward
A recurring message at the conference this year was the importance of integrated partnerships. The Labour government’s commitment to multi-agency collaboration, particularly in safeguarding children and addressing the housing crisis, was welcomed by local authority leaders. In parallel, there is a need to ensure these systems balance resources carefully to avoid inefficiencies and overspending.

Recruitment will play a key role in ensuring high calibre, relational leaders are actively sought based on the needs of local authorities. Those who can effectively navigate complex partnerships and foster collaboration across sectors to drive change for the most vulnerable communities.

Technology & Transformation
Innovation and technology were recognised as critical enablers of improved service delivery. Digital platforms, data analytics, and tech solutions (such as apps and portals) are transforming how families access care. While these tools can bridge gaps in communication between councils and those who access services, the challenges cannot be overlooked. If technology is to be used as an anchor in driving change, the funding limitations, digital literacy, and data security are just some of the many risks that must be addressed.

In recruitment, the focus must be on finding leaders who are not only digitally fluent but also capable of implementing tech solutions that enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for residents. Recruitment companies must develop this conversation with their networks and become a vehicle of sharing best practice through thought-provoking content, such as webinars and articles. This can contribute to providing innovative solutions and connecting brilliant minds together.

Tackling Workforce Challenges
Perhaps the most urgent discussions revolved around workforce challenges. Recruitment and retention remain central to the success of both children’s and adults’ services. While renumeration is important, money is not the magic bullet. A positive and inclusive culture where the workforce feels valued, respected, empowered, and supported is critical to retaining employees.

A well-thought-out training and development plan, continuous professional development, and leadership pathways are essential to keeping employees engaged. Investment in staff well-being – such as mental health initiatives, peer support, and flexible working – were highlighted as critical.

Final Thoughts
In light of these challenges, the pivotal role of modern recruitment solutions in driving necessary reforms across the sector cannot be understated. Here at Tile Hill, we are proud to partner with public sector organisations and have supported the recruitment of innovative, dynamic leaders who are making a real difference to the communities they serve. By working in partnership, we can shape a brighter future for the sector and, most importantly, for our adults and children.

The time for reform is now, and we all have a role to play.