Josh MacAlister: From Review Chief to Minister – A New Chapter in Children’s Social Care Reform

A Significant Appointment in Children’s Social Care

Josh MacAlister MP has been appointed as the new Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education, taking over from Janet Daby MP as Minister for Children & Families. This appointment comes as part of a recent Government reshuffle that has brought significant changes across Westminster.

From Review Leader to Implementation

MacAlister’s previous work included highlighting the urgent need for children’s social care reform, addressing the shortage of suitable homes for children who cannot remain with their birth families, and calling for a national recruitment campaign to find 9,000 new foster families over three years.

His appointment comes at a crucial time, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently announcing £1.1bn more for children’s social care reform and care placements. The total funding allocated to overhauling children’s social care since 2023 has now reached the £2.6bn MacAlister originally said was required to transform the system.

Immediate Priorities and Reforms

MacAlister’s first task will be to oversee the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently in the committee stage in the House of Lords. The Bill includes crucial changes such as increased support for kinship carers, improved collaboration between social workers, police, and health professionals, and extended support for care leavers up to age 25. It also introduces stricter regulations on profit-making care providers.

The appointment represents a significant shift in prioritizing children’s social care, which has long been overlooked. As experts note, failing to properly support vulnerable children and build loving relationships in their lives ultimately leads to more vulnerable adults.

Looking Ahead

MacAlister’s appointment is particularly significant due to his direct knowledge of the issues facing children’s social care. The coming months will be crucial in translating his vision for ‘big and positive change’ into real improvements for children and families across England, as he works towards ensuring no family feels alone and every child has a home where they can flourish.