Sandwell gets news chair of children's services

Graham Archer will take on the role of chair of the board of Sandwell Children’s Trust following the resignation of Jacqui Smith in June.

The former home secretary was appointed chair when Sandwell Children’s Trust was formed in 2017. 

The ‘arms length’ company which runs children’s services on behalf of Sandwell Council came about after the borough was thrown into special measures following back-to-back inadequate Ofsted inspections. It came out of special measures in 2022 after being rated inadequate for a decade.

Mr Archer, has held several senior posts at the Department for Education (DfE). Thedecision to  appoint hin has not been publicly scrutinised after Sandwell Council agreed to waive the usual month-long ‘heads up’ for major decisions.

Sandwell Council said the decision, which was added to the cabinet agenda at the last minute, was being made as a “matter of urgency.”

As part of the move, and with the blessing of Cllr Nicky Hinchcliff, chair of the children’s services and education scrutiny board, the council also blocked councillors from ‘calling in’ the cabinet report for further inspection so the decision was “implemented immediately.”

The appointment was rubber-stamped by cabinet at a meeting on November 13. 

Sandwell Council said Mr Archer had been appointed following a “robust process” and his selection had been endorsed by the government. 

The appointment was welcomed by the trust’s chief executive Emma Taylor who said he brought a “wealth of experience” that would “build on the significant progress” made so far. 

CouncillorJalal Uddin, cabinet member for children and families added: “We look forward to working with Graham, along with colleagues at Sandwell Children’s Trust and partner organisations, as we continue to prioritise our support for children, young people and families, including children we care for and care experienced young people.

“We are committed to continually improving children’s life chances and supporting families wherever needed.”

A full inspection of children’s services is now expected within the next six months. Delaying the appointment could have a “detrimental impact” on preparations for the inspection, the council said.

A council spokesperson said: “The proposed appointment follows completion of a robust process to ensure the new chairperson has the necessary professional skills, knowledge and experience to provide the necessary leadership to continue the trust’s progress. 

“The appointment has been subject to full review by the secretary of state and endorsed. "