Jenny Bullen - Children and Families

Main roles and responsibilities of the portfolio

To fulfil the role of Lead Member of Children’s Services (LMCS) as obligated under Section 19 of the Children Act 2004
To be responsible for the safeguarding of vulnerable children and young people so that they feel safe and protected and that their welfare is promoted
To promote Corporate Parenting across the council and the wider partnership so everyone understands their role in this agenda
To champion positive outcomes for and engagement with young people
To govern the delivery of the Deal 2030 priorities, with a particular focus on the priority ‘Best Start in Life’ and pledges in the Wigan Council Recovery Plan
To drive forward the Community Wealth Building approach including growing local, ethical suppliers in the care market
To support the delivery of our Climate Change Strategy, ensuring all children and young people have the opportunity to live in a clean, green borough where a sustainable future is safeguarded.

Provide political support and challenge to the Directorate to ensure the necessary improvements are made in a timely manner to Children’s Social Care and that the conditions for good social work practice to flourish are in place
Promote the local vision for Children and Young People in Wigan
Implementation of the key priorities set out in the Wigan Council Road to Recovery Plan and in our Deal 2030 in relation to Children and Young People
Ensure Elected Member representation at The Wigan Deal for Children and Young People’s Board and provide challenge at this Board
Provide political leadership to ensure continued development of creative solutions to the challenges of increased demand for children’s services - investing in what works and delivering our principles from The Deal 2030 to keep children safe and cared for in families in the borough
Launch the Early Help Strategy
Politically lead our corporate parenting responsibilities for looked after children ensuring all elected members participate in effectively supporting the children in our care and care leavers
Ensure the Wigan Education Partnership and SEND Partnership Board works effectively with the Healthier Wigan Partnership so that our delivery and commissioning improves outcomes for young people across the borough.

For those in the age range 0-19:-