The resignation of those responsible for these failures marks a necessary turning point for our community. It reflects the weight of our collective demand for accountability and the safety of our children. We must now remain diligent to ensure that the leadership that follows truly prioritizes the well-being of every …
May 7, 2017
Call for the immediate resignations of Cllr Rachael Saunders and Director for Children's Services Debbie Jones
Final supporters
We, the residents of Tower Hamlets call for the immediate resignations of both Councillor Rachael Saunders and Director for Children's Services Debbie Jones after a damning Ofsted Report which rated Tower Hamlets Children's Service and its Safeguarding Provisions as being 'Inadequate' - the lowest grade possible. They inherited a Children's Service which was rated 'Good' with outstanding features but have failed miserably to maintain our proud and long standing record of achieving either 'Good' or 'Outstanding' ratings.
The report singles out lead member for Children’s Services, Councillor Rachael Saunders, as having failed in her responsibilities, noting that “the lead member has not exercised her responsibility as a participating observer at board meetings since her appointment in May 2015, weakening her ability to scrutinise and hold [paid officials] to account.”
It also notes “The chief executive, DCS and elected members did not know about the extent of the failures to protect children from harm until this inspection…A lack of critical enquiry, combined with an over- reliance on inaccurate performance information and an over-optimistic self- assessment, means that senior leaders and politicians have failed to take effective action, leaving children at risk of harm.”
It also notes "Leaders and managers are unable to assure themselves that children in Tower Hamlets are safe"...and the service was "not discharging all of its statutory function."
And actions taken by the Town Hall since July 2015 “have not been sufficiently systematic or effective in addressing the widespread concerns, and consequently children in Tower Hamlets have been left at actual or potential risk.”
Debbie Jones was Ofsted National Director for Social Care (2013-2015) prior to her mysterious appointment at Tower Hamlets Council. During Debbie's time at Ofsted, she introduced its controversial single inspection framework for children services. Nearly half of councils inspected under the new framework have seen their rating fall. Ofsted's credibility was called into question since this framework was implemented alongside the 'Trojan Horse' scandal which she was also linked to. Now Debbie herself has failed to meet the very standards she helped create and introduced.
We have lost total confidence in Debbie Jones and Cllr Rachael Saunders and find it deeply troubling to know that they continue to remain in their posts in which they have failed so miserably in fulfilling, casting doubts into the councils 'commitment' in making the rigorous improvements needed to restore the credibility of Children's Services, public confidence and most importantly to ensure our children will be kept safe.
Here is that damning report: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/sites/default/files/..
Updates
April 25, 2017
Reaching two hundred and fifty signatures serves as a clear indicator that the community shares a deep concern regarding the current leadership of our children's services. This level of engagement confirms that the failures highlighted in the recent Ofsted report are not being overlooked by the people most impacted by them.
Reached 250 supporters
April 23, 2017
April 23, 2017
The findings from the Ofsted report remain a sobering reminder of why accountability must be our primary focus. I have been listening to the concerns from residents who feel deeply let down by those tasked with protecting our community. We are currently evaluating the next steps to ensure that the leadership addresses these failures with the seriousness they deserve.
Reached 100 supporters
April 22, 2017
107 Comments
I believe since labour came in power they had an agenda to cut a massive pot of money from the children and the youth service, Rachel has failed tower hamlets and the youth of tower hamlet, since the cuts the crime in Tower Hamlets is on a increase. She needs to step down
My local Youth club closing down, murders, gang, knife crime on the rise, community/borough unrest, lack of employment opportunities, no safety code, poor leadership, failing Ofsted reports. All I see is this borough declining. I want these 2 individuals OUT right away!!
Failure to attend meetings since being elected to board. Broken promises on saving nurseries and then eventually closing down our youth centres.
We are supposed to look after our children and public money is being spent on looking after them. It is unforgivable to have such a bad report and big salaries are being paid to people who just dont care. Who is going to take responsibility, I suppose they will keep quiet and it will all blow over. Why aren't they dismissed????
Accountability is vital in a democratic society, such substandard performance when involving young peoples lives is unnacceptable.
Absolute disgrace, and i thought this would be different to the Tower hamlets first party, these lot are worse. Should have kept Rahman in, at least children were safeguarded
The Ofsted report is scandalous!
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The resignation of those responsible for these failures marks a necessary turning point for our community. It reflects the weight of our collective demand for accountability and the safety of our children. We must now remain diligent to ensure that the leadership that follows truly prioritizes the well-being of every …
May 7, 2017
Call for the immediate resignations of Cllr Rachael Saunders and Director for Children's Services Debbie Jones
Final supporters
We, the residents of Tower Hamlets call for the immediate resignations of both Councillor Rachael Saunders and Director for Children's Services Debbie Jones after a damning Ofsted Report which rated Tower Hamlets Children's Service and its Safeguarding Provisions as being 'Inadequate' - the lowest grade possible. They inherited a Children's Service which was rated 'Good' with outstanding features but have failed miserably to maintain our proud and long standing record of achieving either 'Good' or 'Outstanding' ratings.
The report singles out lead member for Children’s Services, Councillor Rachael Saunders, as having failed in her responsibilities, noting that “the lead member has not exercised her responsibility as a participating observer at board meetings since her appointment in May 2015, weakening her ability to scrutinise and hold [paid officials] to account.”
It also notes “The chief executive, DCS and elected members did not know about the extent of the failures to protect children from harm until this inspection…A lack of critical enquiry, combined with an over- reliance on inaccurate performance information and an over-optimistic self- assessment, means that senior leaders and politicians have failed to take effective action, leaving children at risk of harm.”
It also notes "Leaders and managers are unable to assure themselves that children in Tower Hamlets are safe"...and the service was "not discharging all of its statutory function."
And actions taken by the Town Hall since July 2015 “have not been sufficiently systematic or effective in addressing the widespread concerns, and consequently children in Tower Hamlets have been left at actual or potential risk.”
Debbie Jones was Ofsted National Director for Social Care (2013-2015) prior to her mysterious appointment at Tower Hamlets Council. During Debbie's time at Ofsted, she introduced its controversial single inspection framework for children services. Nearly half of councils inspected under the new framework have seen their rating fall. Ofsted's credibility was called into question since this framework was implemented alongside the 'Trojan Horse' scandal which she was also linked to. Now Debbie herself has failed to meet the very standards she helped create and introduced.
We have lost total confidence in Debbie Jones and Cllr Rachael Saunders and find it deeply troubling to know that they continue to remain in their posts in which they have failed so miserably in fulfilling, casting doubts into the councils 'commitment' in making the rigorous improvements needed to restore the credibility of Children's Services, public confidence and most importantly to ensure our children will be kept safe.
Here is that damning report: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/sites/default/files/..
Updates
April 25, 2017
Reaching two hundred and fifty signatures serves as a clear indicator that the community shares a deep concern regarding the current leadership of our children's services. This level of engagement confirms that the failures highlighted in the recent Ofsted report are not being overlooked by the people most impacted by them.
Reached 250 supporters
April 23, 2017
April 23, 2017
The findings from the Ofsted report remain a sobering reminder of why accountability must be our primary focus. I have been listening to the concerns from residents who feel deeply let down by those tasked with protecting our community. We are currently evaluating the next steps to ensure that the leadership addresses these failures with the seriousness they deserve.
Reached 100 supporters
April 22, 2017
107 Comments
Taking senior level salaries to produce inadequate results adds insult to injury. Resign now so we can appoint someone with a higher level of competence and calibre to get the job done
I believe since labour came in power they had an agenda to cut a massive pot of money from the children and the youth service, Rachel has failed tower hamlets and the youth of tower hamlet, since the cuts the crime in Tower Hamlets is on a increase. She needs to step down
My local Youth club closing down, murders, gang, knife crime on the rise, community/borough unrest, lack of employment opportunities, no safety code, poor leadership, failing Ofsted reports. All I see is this borough declining. I want these 2 individuals OUT right away!!
Failure to attend meetings since being elected to board. Broken promises on saving nurseries and then eventually closing down our youth centres.
We are supposed to look after our children and public money is being spent on looking after them. It is unforgivable to have such a bad report and big salaries are being paid to people who just dont care. Who is going to take responsibility, I suppose they will keep quiet and it will all blow over. Why aren't they dismissed????
Accountability is vital in a democratic society, such substandard performance when involving young peoples lives is unnacceptable.
Absolute disgrace, and i thought this would be different to the Tower hamlets first party, these lot are worse. Should have kept Rahman in, at least children were safeguarded
The Ofsted report is scandalous!
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Taking senior level salaries to produce inadequate results adds insult to injury. Resign now so we can appoint someone with a higher level of competence and calibre to get the job done