Chief executives
It is essential that the individuals and agencies who form the corporate parent for Scotland’s looked after children and young people are more aware of and alert to their children’s needs and work together to deliver for them.
'It is important for the heads of care to know the views of young people in care: That way they will be able to make decisions and plan ahead - knowing what young people in care want.'
Sam
The role of the Chief Executive in the corporate family
Chief executives are uniquely placed as responsible officers for the organisation as a whole, as well as for its relationships with other key partners. As chief executive, you have the authority and overall responsibility to make a real difference in the lives of looked after children and young people and care leavers. You must make sure that their interests are taken into account when major decisions are being made both within your own organisation and within your community planning partnership.
From a community planning perspective, real and effective joined up working and the strength of shared resources make a significant impact on the lives of our looked after children. From a chief executive’s perspective, the interests of children and young people should therefore be placed firmly within this wider corporate family of community planning partners.
Being a corporate parent in the local authority context equates in many ways to being a birth parent. You have the overall responsibility for ensuring that looked after children and young people and care leavers grow up to be successful, confident and responsible citizens. You are also well positioned to shape the health, leisure and other services your looked after children and young people, and care leavers, receive.
Chief executives should therefore focus on what you can do to provide your looked after children and young people and care leavers with an environment in which they can achieve their aspirations, beyond just what you must do to fulfill your statutory obligations.
You will want to:
- Know that you are addressing the needs of your looked after children and young people and care leavers.
- Know that all of your staff are being aspirational for your looked after children and young people and care leavers and doing all they can to ensure better outcomes for them.
Downloadable resources
Read the full version of this section of the Corporate Parenting Guidance on the Scottish Government website.