Professional development

• DCS Policy Commission
  • Who is the DCS Policy Commission for?
  • Programme details
  • Benefits
  • Costs
  • Dates and locations
  • Partnership working
  • Contact details

DCS Policy Commission

The DCS Policy Commission (formerly referred to as DCS Executive Programme) offers directors of children’s services (DCSs) the opportunity and support to explore key strategic issues facing the sector as a whole and to contribute to the development of thinking on future policy and practice.

Key facts

• The first cohort will consist of around six DCSs who will work together on a key strategic issue
• Participants will present their recommendations to ministers and senior civil servants.
• The DCS Policy Commission is being designed by the College in partnership with the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) and the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC).

Duration

Approximately three months, starting from January 2011

Delivery method

A two-day face-to-face orientation event with key strategic thinkers and respected practitioners, after which each DCS will explore the agreed aspects of the issue, with the opportunity of web conferencing and face-to-face meetings. There will be a final two-day face-to-face event at which they will shape and deliver their presentation to ministers and senior civil servants. The written output of their recommendations will be produced by a commission editor and signed-off by the participants, prior to its submission to the DfE.

Who can apply?

The DCS Policy Commission is only open to DCSs.

Next application round

October 2010