Click here to download the Full Service Plan 2007/08

The CIPFA Children’s Services Advisory Network (CSAN) exists to help those working in Children’s Services to improve:

• The commissioning of services to children
• The commissioning of services to schools
• The commissioning of services to children through schools

With its independent ethos and support from CIPFA’s wide range of resources, CSAN is uniquely placed to help both those with an Education and Social Care background to address the huge challenges presented by:

• Every Child Matters:Change for Children and the Children Act 2004
• the constant stream of policy directives, regulations, statutory guidance and research that arise from the Children’s Services initiative
• the local government modernisation programme, particularly as it effects schools and the critical relationship that local authorities have with them.

The service provides constant guidance and support on commissioning, policy and performance aspects of the delivery of Children’s Services to our subscribers and other participants through:

• regular locally-based workshopping sessions to enable the exchange of ideas and emerging practice
• presentation sessions on evolving aspects of commissioning (‘briefings’)
• participation in the wider network, including our Commissioning Support Group
• a weekly newsletter designed to keep policy officers and heads of service up to date on all the developments
• a monthly update on progress on key issues affecting Children’s Services and the wider local government environment
• monthly one-page summaries of all key documents
• written briefings and summarises of policy and legislative initiatives affecting Children’s Services as they arise
• short pieces of research to address specific member queries
• web-based support.

CSAN is part of CIPFA’s Networks & Forums Division which includes the Children’s Services Finance Advisory Network, (CSFAN) and Police, Health and Housing Advisory Networks. Children’s Services Authorities in England and Wales are therefore able to take advantage of a unique range of advice and support through membership of CSAN. If you are not yet a member and would like to get access to this influential, independent network please contact Shane Flynn on 01970 822005 or via Shane.Flynn@ipf.co.uk.