Birmingham set to convert Children’s Trust to wholly owned company

BIRMINGHAM’S Children’s Trust could be converted into a wholly-owned company under new plans being considered by the city council.

A cabinet report setting out the preferred option for the trust suggests the WOC option would be the best option for securing the health and welfare of the children under care.

The council has repeatedly come under fire for inadequate childcare provision and has been seeking a solution to the problem for some time.

Cabinet member for children, families and schools, Cllr Brigid Jones said: “We want all our children to have a fantastic childhood, and every option has been considered as to how to shape our social work in the future to deliver just that.

“It has been recommended that on balance a wholly-owned company (WOC) is the best model for our trust as it provides more flexibility and a low risk; there will be far less potential for disruption to our on-going improvement than with other options.

“It is also recommended that it is created as a community interest company, which is really important as it makes clear the trust exists to deliver real and tangible benefits to the community it serves, and not for private gain.”

The trust would have its own board and management team to ensure operational independence and a single focus on children’s care. The council will also look to build in strong staff engagement including a role in governance arrangements.

The next step in the process (providing the plan is approved by cabinet) is that a shadow trust will start running from April this year to ensure that everything is in place for when the full trust begins work.

“There is a long way still to go, but this is a really important step for us. Ultimately, it is about creating conditions that allow our best social workers, with our partners, children and families, to do great work,” added Cllr Jones.

The report will go to cabinet on Tuesday January 24.