BASW England reacts to new Children’s Minister appointment

A recent UK Government cabinet ‘mini reshuffle’ has led to David Johnston MP being appointed as the fifth Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing in only two years.

His predecessor, Claire Coutinho MP, had only been in post since October 2022.

The change in personnel comes only eight months after the Department for Education published its draft strategy for reforming children's social care in England, Stable Homes, Built on Love.

Responding to the announcement, BASW England commented:

“The appointment of David Johnston, who replaces Claire Coutinho, as Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, sadly sends a message that a sustainable and consistent Ministerial approach to children, their families and wellbeing is not a political priority for this government.

“At a time of major upheaval and reform in children’s social care in England, we desperately need a leadership that is focused on the needs of children and families, not political ambitions. The fact that Johnston is the fifth minister to take on this role in two years should worry all of us who want to see stability and support that is too often denied to the very children the minister seeks to represent.

“We wish David Johnston well in his new role and hope he listens to BASW members by putting the needs of children first, addressing the years of under-investment in children’s care services and by tackling the recruitment and retention crisis in children’s social work.”