Professional development for children's services leaders
The National College is leading the development of the director of children's services (DCS) provision in collaboration with its partners.
DCS Leadership Programme
This programme is for those at the forefront of children's services. It is the first element of a wider range of opportunities in leadership development for children’s services to be provided by the National College. The aim of this programme is to provide the very best leadership development and contextualised learning, leading to effective personal and organisational change.
Mentor Plus scheme
This scheme offers newly appointed directors of children's services (DCSs) a mentor who is an experienced and successful DCS or a recently retired DCS with a track record of successful leadership. The aim of the scheme is to provide an effective and highly personalised professional support network during the critical early months of taking up the post of DCS.
Aspirant DCS Programme
This programme will support participants' development as influential leaders who can inspire outstanding service delivery. The aim of the programme is to create a pool of candidates with the necessary desire, knowledge, capability and experience to be considered for the role of DCS.
DCS Peer Support scheme
This scheme will provide a brokered, negotiated pairing of a director of children's services (DCS) requiring support with a particular leadership challenge with a DCS who has the relevant experience and expertise. It is anticipated that this scheme will contribute to self-sustaining system leadership for children’s services departments.
DCS Policy Commission
The DCS Policy Commission 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.
The Accelerated Leadership Development Programme has now merged into the Aspirant DCS Programme.

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