This practice guide outlines Liverpool’s innovative approach to integrating the Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO) role within children’s services, following a 2019 SEND inspection. Developed to strengthen the connection between SEND and social care, the DSCO role has helped improve legal literacy, collaborative planning, and the quality of social care input into Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. It highlights the strategic and operational steps taken to embed the role, enhance service delivery, and support cultural change across teams. The guide also shares practical tools and insights that have supported workforce development and improved outcomes for children and families.
