Team running Shropshire Council children’s homes celebrated at regional awards
The work of Shropshire Council’s children’s residential team to improve the lives of the children in their care has been recognised at a special event.
The West Midlands ADCS (Association of Directors of Children’s Services) Network’s Team Excellence Awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate the work of children’s services teams at councils across the region.
Unlike traditional awards programmes, the awards are not competitive. Instead, each council is invited to nominate a single team that has demonstrated exceptional impact over the previous year. The event provides an opportunity for colleagues from across the region to share learning, celebrate success and recognise the remarkable work taking place every day within children’s services.
This year, David Shaw, Director of Children’s Services with Shropshire Council nominated the council’s residential team, who help to run the council’s children’s homes.
David Shaw said:
It is always difficult to single out just one team in Children’s Services for this annual award, but for 2026 I was delighted to select our children’s residential team. The team work extremely hard running Shropshire Council’s children’s homes. The children living in residential homes are among our most vulnerable and require some of the highest levels of care and support to ensure they fulfil their potential and thrive. The team’s work in 2025 and 2026 has had a tremendous impact on the lives of children in the local authority area.
Councillor Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:
I am delighted that our children’s residential team has received this well-deserved recognition for its dedication and hard work. Every day, our staff make a profound and lasting difference to the lives of young people in our care, including those with complex needs. They should be immensely proud of this achievement and of the compassion, commitment, and skilled support they provide.
Speaking on behalf of the West Midlands ADCS Network, Regional Chair James Thomas said:
The teams recognised today represent the very best of children’s services across our region. Their achievements demonstrate the dedication, creativity and determination that colleagues bring to supporting children, young people and families every day. Whilst their roles may differ, each team shares a common purpose: improving lives and creating opportunities for the children and communities we serve. The Team Excellence Awards allow us to celebrate those achievements, recognise the people behind them and showcase the collective strength of children’s services across the West Midlands.
Shropshire Council is currently delivering a transformation of children’s services aligned with changes to government statutory requirements nationwide. The aim of the changes is to make a more child-friendly Shropshire, which includes reducing the number of children in care.
