New elected Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, has written an open letter to the people of the city following the publication of an Ofsted report which has ranked Children’s Services as inadequate.
Taking care of our city’s most vulnerable young people is the most important responsibility that a local authority has.
Upon taking office recently, it was with a growing sense of unease, and frankly anger, that I read Ofsted’s report. There is no denying that we have been letting our children down.
I want to be clear that the report is no reflection on the incredible work of our social care staff, who work tirelessly every single day to keep our young people safe.
Politics is about leadership – and I am determined that the Council – senior officers and elected members in the Cabinet working together, will put this right.
We now have a dedicated Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services, Cllr Liz Parsons, who has a vast amount of experience in this field, as a Children’s Centre Manager.
Ofsted have highlighted important groundwork that has already been undertaken in recent months by interim Corporate Director, Suzy Joyner, who is heading the department while we recruit to leadership positions.
Improvements have already started to be made, and the improvement journey is supported by additional funding and capacity to give our staff the resources they need to be able to do their jobs effectively.
Together with the other changes we are making, I am confident we will make swift progress.
You have my word, both as the Leader of Liverpool City Council and a parent, that we will fix this.
