A Study on Senior Managers’ Views of Participation in One Local Authority… a Case of Wilful Blindness?

Clive Diaz, Tricia Aylward

Summary

This British Journal of Social Work research explores how senior managers in a single English local authority perceive children’s participation in care planning and review meetings. Interviews with seven senior managers, alongside related research involving social workers, independent reviewing officers and looked-after children, revealed a disconnect between leadership perceptions and frontline realities. While managers emphasised procedural compliance, many were unaware of persistent barriers that limit meaningful involvement of young people such as; outdated care plans, limited opportunities to express views, and little reflection on how participation is supported in practice. The article highlights that senior leadership often lacks curiosity and willingness to challenge the status quo, resulting in little change over decades despite policy commitments to children’s involvement in decisions about their lives. Strengthening managers’ understanding and support for participatory practice is identified as essential to improving outcomes for children in care.