Panel announced for Neath Port Talbot children’s services review
By News Wales, ,

The Social Services Improvement Agency (SSIA) for Wales has named an expert panel to conduct a detailed peer review of children’s services within Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

Initiated by Neath Port Talbot Council to ensure that its children’s services are informed by regular and expert review, the peer review process forms part of a wider and longer-term programme of work designed to achieve constant improvement in the range and quality of children’s services in the Neath Port Talbot area.

The team of experts tasked with delivering the review, which will take place between September and October of this year, includes:

  •     Cathie Williams – SSIA Peer Review Lead
  •     Helen Paterson – Chair of SOLACE Wales and Wrexham County Borough Council Chief Executive
  •     Phil Hodgson – Government Advisor and ex social services director
  •     Jake Morgan – Director of Education and Social Services, Pembrokeshire County Council
  •     Mike Nicholson – Corporate Director for People in Newport
  •     Angie Allen – Supervising Social Worker – Fostering Team, City of Cardiff Council

Commenting on the peer review process, Emily Warren, Head of the SSIA said: “Ongoing service improvement is at the heart of the SSIA’s three year work programme, and I am delighted that the peer review of Neath Port Talbot’s children’s services will be conducted by a review group that has drawn together leading experts from across Wales and the UK.”

“Constant, and sector led improvement is vitally important for all local public services in Wales, and the peer review process offers a proven method for identifying and sharing best practice.  

“I am sure that the findings and recommendations of our expert group will offer something that can be applied not only within Neath Port Talbot itself, but within local councils right across Wales.  

“This is a hugely positive and proactive step on the part of Neath Port Talbot council and demonstrates their absolute commitment to achieving the highest possible standards for their local children’s services.”

For more information about this work please visit www.ssiacymru.org.uk/peers