Dave Crewe

I worked for the Isle of Wight Social Services Department for sixteen years.  I began my career as a Social worker in 1995.

For the past thirteen I have been a Team manager in four different teams within Isle of Wight Children’s Services, and latterly held a more senior, strategic role as a Group Manager for Looked After Children.

I feel that I was an active and enthusiastic member of the Isle of Wight Senior Managers group and I would say that my management ‘style’ was strongly underpinned by a motivational,  transformational and pro-active approach.

I am fully aware of the relevant legislation, policies and procedures that make up the framework in which we provide Public Care for children and young people, (Children Act 1989 & 2004, Care Standards Act, Care Leavers Act, Fostering Service Regs, UK National Standards for Foster Care, Care Planning Regs, various Adoption Acts & guidance etc). 

Having managed a number of teams over the past thirteen years I feel that I have a clear understanding of the issues and difficulties experienced by Looked After Children and Foster Carers.  I also feel that I am a good leader and motivator.

There have been significant changes within the department following an “inadequate” Ofsted inspection in 2012.  I was part of the senior management team leading and driving forward the positive and necessary changes identified within the improvement plan.

These changes however were not without their challenges including resistance, fear, and apprehension.  However, by developing a shared vision and shared ideas, coupled with good communication and consultation I feel that I have played a key role in successfully surmounting many of the obstacles and taking staff along with us on this journey.  This will improve the future outcomes for Looked After Children on the Isle of Wight.

I managed an annual budget of £1.5 million, and through creative financial acumen, careful monitoring and control, and ensuring Best Value, my service area usually ended each year with at least a 15% under-spend.

In my substantive post on the Isle of Wight I had strategic responsibility within the Looked After Children’s Service for the planning, design and delivery of all core services to children in care, and subsequent outcomes for these children

I met regularly with the Lead Member for Children’s Services to provide service updates, problem solve and to discuss and plan future initiatives to improve the outcomes for our looked after population.

From a Safeguarding perspective, I have extensive knowledge and experience and I regularly chaired legal planning meetings, Permanency Planning meetings and oversaw Section 47 investigations.  I was the consultant for the development of a safeguarding training video for teachers that is used nationally and I have recently developed a safeguarding mobile App for use by the Third Sector.

I was in my previous senior management role for two and a half years, followed by a short term contract in Adoption, and I feel that I am now ready to further develop my strategic role and capabilities and take on new challenges.

I believe that the skills that I possess are wholly transferable and that my motivational and people development skills will be invaluable to any organization within which I work.

I am committed to the development of anti-discriminatory issues, and I am aware of my own values and beliefs and their impact upon both team members and young people. To me “Equal Opportunities” is not just a buzz word, but an ethos underpinning how we do business

I consider my work to be consistent and of a high standard.  I have a good sense of humour and a sound knowledge of management perspectives and models of adult learning and child development.

I am skilled in the use of computers and Information Technology.  I have a strong belief in life long learning and development.  I feel that I work well as a team member, but I am comfortable working alone

I would very much welcome the opportunity to be part of developing and implementing new and inspirational initiatives that will strengthen and build capacity, and ultimately improve outcomes for children and young people.