Case Study: Strategic review of Slough Children First

Client: Slough Borough Council / Slough Children First

Date: May - June 2025

Challenges faced by the client:

Slough Children First (SCF), a wholly owned local authority company, had made notable progress in its operations and performance since a Mutual Ventures review of its business plan in 2022.

Despite improved performance in leadership stability, workforce development, and financial controls, there were concerns about whether the improved service had reached the stability and resilience to reintegrate, if it had the capacity to implement national social care reforms alongside reintegration, and the ongoing intervention from Commissioners from both the Department for Education and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Slough Borough Council (SBC) therefore sought an independent, high-level review to assess SCF’s readiness for potential reintegration back into the Council.

Our support:

Mutual Ventures was commissioned to conduct a follow-up review, building on its 2022 work. The review focused on three key areas:

• Progress against SCF’s business improvement and wider transformation plans

• Financial sustainability and value for money

• Governance effectiveness and convergence readiness

Our team conducted a high-level document review and stakeholder interviews across SCF, SBC, the DfE, MHCLG Commissioners, and local Cabinet Members. We assessed alignment with national social care reforms, and drew on comparative case studies from other local authorities, including potential Local Government Reorganisation implications, and drew out conclusions and high level timelines and conditions for successful reintegration. We presented these findings to Council officers, Commissioners, and Slough Cabinet Members.

Outcome achieved:

The review provided SBC and SCF with a clear, independent assessment of progress to date and a practical, indicative timeline to support future decision-making. It highlighted areas of strength – including improved financial performance (such as returning £2.8m to SBC), stronger governance, and a more stable workforce – while also identifying key considerations for planning any future reintegration. The findings will help to shape a shared understanding of the current position and the steps needed to maintain momentum and manage change effectively. A phased transition model was recommended, aligning with inspection cycles and national reform timelines, to protect progress and avoid destabilisation.

Quote from client:

"Mutual Ventures was commissioned to do a follow-up review based on its previous involvement in a review in 2022.

Whilst the review was high level and time limited, officers were impressed with the level of analysis and the focus on continuous improvement in children's services. In particular MV's officers' knowledge and understanding of the national social care reforms and different practice in other areas was helpful to identify priorities and a timescale for any transformation programmes. The lead project manager model was helpful with weekly update meetings to discuss pace and any risks/issues.

The working relationship with the lead project officer was very positive and I would have no hesitation in recommending Mutual Ventures for future relevant work."

For more information on Mutual Ventures’ work with children’s services see here.