The RCLB work programme focuses on the following objectives throughout 2019:
- Develop a vision for the future of secure care, working with the sector to develop new models for secure provision, supporting the development of joint commissioning arrangements for secure children’s homes placements and monitoring the development of secure schools.
- Provide seed funding for testing new commissioning ideas in open residential children’s homes, with a focus on partnership models with providers and Local Authorities working together rather than the technical aspects of commissioning.
- Support the DfE in gathering data and qualitative information on the reasons for and scale of placements in unregulated settings.
- Engage with residential providers, with a specific focus on the largest providers, and consider how we can develop stronger relationships with them to support innovation in the sector.

Sir Alan Wood CBE, Board Chair
- Advise DfE on options for central government oversight to make sure the market is sufficiently resourced and providing good services and value for money for local authorities
- Oversight and scrutiny via formal meetings and recommendations on progress of Staying Close and Commissioning Innovation Programme Projects.
- In capacity as board member of the National Stability Forum,invite proposals for improving commissioning and sufficiency of foster placements. We will be funding local authorities to develop models for improving commissioning and sufficiency of foster placements, including specialist placements, models that create and strengthen the links between fostering and residential, and increasing local sufficiency by working in partnership.
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