Thread by @CareReviewWatch

Process is important. Few would disagree. Therefore, as we prepare for the publication of the MacAlister #cscreview, now is an opportune time to review the process and key dates/events that led us here. A long 🧵:

19/08/20 – First recorded meeting with between Josh MacAlister and Gavin Williamson about the care review, as recorded in ministerial meeting data.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…

December 2020 - Frontline receives £4.3 million in payments from the Department for Education in a single month, while MacAliser continues to act as CEO.
bylinetimes.com/2021/02/23/fir…

15/01/21 – MacAlister appointed by Gavin Williamson without competition to chair the review. MacAlister’s business & political networks immediately sparked concerns about the independence of the review.
communitycare.co.uk/2021/01/15/fro…

25/01/21 – MacAlister announces he has written to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to request they investigate children’s social care market, not mentioning this was being explored already since at least Sep 2020.
article39.org.uk/2022/03/11/foi…

15/02/21 - MacAlister heavily criticised for how the care review contacted and rejected over 900 applicants to join the Expert by Experience group for the Care Review.
communitycare.co.uk/2021/02/19/car…

2/3/21 – Redacted details of MacAlister contract with DfE, seemingly accidently released, show MacAlister agreed to work with specific organisations, offset cost of all spending and not embarrass the government.
bylinetimes.com/2021/03/17/ind…

17/06/21 – Review releases interim report, Case for Change, referring to the children’s social care system as a “30-year-old tower of Jenga held together with Sellotape: simultaneously rigid and yet shaky”.
cypnow.co.uk/news/article/c…

3/7/21 - MacAlister states on the Adoption and Fostering Podcast that the review’s large scope and rushed nature are to ensure that new legislation and reforms can be implemented while the current government remains.
adoptionandfostering.podbean.com/e/an-interview…

8/7/21 – In a speech to ADCS Conference MacAlister refers to discussions around funding cuts, poverty and the role of national government as an “old pattern of dialogue that I think we’re all tired of”
…drenssocialcare.independent-review.uk/josh-macaliste…

15-16/09/21 – Gavin Williamson and Vicky Ford both removed from ministerial positions following a series of mishandled scandals.
cypnow.co.uk/news/article/w…

14/10/21 - Care Review releases response to Case for Change feedback, recognising “clear disagreements” with some aspects of the review’s approach and focus.
socialworktoday.co.uk/News/Care-Revi…

15/12/21 – Frontline progression study published, showing that despite costing 2-3x more per SW qualified, attrition rates are not better than other courses. On the same day the DfE launches a new £80m contract tender tailored towards the Frontline model.
gov.uk/government/pub…

21/12/21 - Interdependence of Independence interactive network map launches, identifying MacAlister as the most connected individual in children’s services and education, raising further questions about his independence
childrensservices.network

10/02/22 – Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel tasked with reviewing the deaths of Star Hobson and Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, a review that will feed into the Care Review.
cypnow.co.uk/news/article/s…

16/02/22 – MacAlister refers to plans to provide care leavers in Wales with basic monthly income as a “fascinating experiment”, he later acknowledged he may have “unintentionally upset some folks”
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-…

3/3/22 - Boris Johnson awards Gavin Williamson a knighthood to widespread criticism and concern.
theguardian.com/politics/2022/…

10/3/22 – Oak National Academy, founded by Josh MacAlister’s husband, becomes an independently operated arm’s length public body under DfE, currently facing legal and cronyism challenges for that process.
bylinetimes.com/2022/05/17/con…

17/03/22 - High Court rules in favour of the DfE not extending right to care for 16 and 17 year old children in care. The Case for Change is cited as evidence in making the government’s case.
article39.org.uk/2022/03/16/hig…

27/04/22 – A month before the review is due to publish its final report, details of £22m contract extension for Frontline published on Bidstats, to run an additional cohort for at least 2023.
bidstats.uk/tenders/2022/W…

There are undoubtedly other important events missed here, so please feel free to add your own. The key message: process is important, and will shape the final report and where we go from here.