Former social worker Janet Daby leaves DfE as ex-Frontline chief joins

Government reshuffle.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Daby said serving as the Labour Government’s first Children and Families Minister “has been an honour”.

“As a former social worker, I was grateful for the opportunity to lead the profession I love dearly and to begin to introduce much-needed reforms to Children's Social Care. Working to support families in staying together with early family help, as well as care leavers, foster carers and supporting children in kinship care were highlights of my time in government.”

The MP for Lewisham East added that she would continue to support the government from the backbenches, while championing issues such as children’s social work and youth justice.

Also announced in the Department for Education shake-up was the appointment of Josh MacAlister, who co-founded the Frontline fast-track training scheme with the Boston Consulting Group and spearheaded the previous Conservative Government’s Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, which concluded in 2022.

While it is not yet confirmed what role he will be taking up in the Department, a LinkedIn post has suggested that the Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington will replace Ms Daby in implementing the reforms proposed in his review.

“It is an enormous privilege to be asked by the Prime Minister to serve as a Minister in the Department for Education. It’s a responsibility I take on with voices of many children and families ringing in my ears,” MacAlister wrote.

“My professional life before entering politics was shaped by a commitment to children and young people. As a teacher, charity CEO, and as chair of the Independent Review of Children's Social Care, in which I called for major reforms and new investment to ensure every child can grow up in a safe, stable and loving home.

“Chancellor Rachel Reeves allocated £2.1 billion at the Spending Review to enact many of the reforms I called for in my review. I’m looking forward to working with the fantastic Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, the ministerial team at the DfE and colleagues from across government to deliver big and positive change for the most vulnerable children in England.”

Social workers and organisations who worked alongside Janet Daby commented how refreshing it was to have a social worker in the ministerial role with responsibility for social work, while others commended her work on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

Poet Lemn Sissay OBE said: “Thank you for your service and for your continuing support of those most in need.”

Mark Russell, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society added: “I’m so sorry you’re leaving DfE. I’ve always valued working with you.”

“Sorry to see you go, Janet. It was good to see a Social Worker serve the country so well,” Social worker Richard Servian commented on X.