Star comment: Jacqui Smith must instil clear vision

It is fair to say the former Home Secretary has a chequered past in terms of her political career, most notably concerning her involvement in the expenses scandal that engulfed Parliament a few years ago.

Now as chairman of the Government-funded body that has taken over children’s services in Sandwell, she faces what is likely to be one of her biggest challenges yet.

Sandwell’s children services was rated inadequate in 2013, and received the same poor rating again in 2015.

At the last inspection Ofsted inspectors said the department did not fully understand the scale and prevalence of child sexual exploitation, and noted ‘widespread and serious failures’ that were putting youngsters at harm.

Although positive changes were noted in a visit in October last year, the Government decided to bring in an independent trust to oversee urgent improvements. Subsequent visits have criticised the lack of progress in improvements to services and insufficient focus on quality.

There is no doubt that Ms Smith has a wealth of experience to bring to the role. Her work with other health services across the West Midlands is likely to prove vital, as will her time in the Westminster corridors of power.

Few will doubt her work ethic. According to her Linked in page, Ms Smith currently holds seven positions.

These include chairing the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

She appears to have more jobs than George Osborne, and residents in Sandwell will no doubt be hoping that her focus will be on the borough during what is likely to be a four-year tenure.

Let us not forget, this is a position that Ms Smith applied for. Improving children’s services is an issue we are told she is passionate about. She must be aware that the time for excuses is long gone.

Ms Smith must turn around years of mismanagement to bring about rapid improvements. There must be a clear vision in place that can bring positive change that can be sustained for decades to come.

Over to you, Ms Smith.