Future thinking Adult Social Care Services 2023-2035

During January – May 2023, in collaboration with the Strategy Unit at NHS Midlands & Lancashire CSU and regional partners, WM-ADASS undertook a scenario planning exercise to help us think about possible futures and how we might respond to them.  This work is ongoing…..more in our new Future thinking section

Profile photo of Dr. Richard Harling

Dr. Richard Harling - Chair of WM-ADASS Branch, Director of Adult Services & Health, Staffordshire Council

As social care leaders, we have a duty to care for, and support, every member of society. In the West Midlands. Our vision is for:

  • sustainable social care and health systems providing better care and support, independence and social justice
  • thriving local communities and economies that support a sustainable care market and workforce
  • an effective response to the new CQC assurance process from April 2023

Find out more

Latest News

WM-ADASS Local Authority Research Engagement Sessions in July

As part of our programme to build a research culture and infrastructure for adult social care in our region, we will be running a session for each of our 14 local authorities during July. Sessions will run for 1.5 hours online with the aim of starting conversations about promoting and developing practitioner research capacity. Find out more about

Read more about WM-ADASS Local Authority Research Engagement Sessions in July

Latest Resources

Operating model for DoLS in the West Midlands

This document sets out a recommended operating model for DoLS in the West Midlands. It highlights some of the most efficient practices that can be utilised in the DoLS process.

WM ADASS DoLS forms guidance 2024

This document has been issued following a review of guidance to support practitioners with the DoLS forms (a set of which are available in this resources library).

Adass Dols Priority Tool

This is one of three DoLS documents WM ADASS has reviewed and updated, and ADASS has adopted for wider use. The ADASS DoLS Priority Tool, developed after Cheshire West, has been updated to reflect current practice and priorities.

DoLS: Your Rights Easy Read

This is one of three DoLS documents WM ADASS has reviewed and updated, and ADASS has adopted for wider use. This is an easy read version of The Rights Guide, something to be given to people once there is a DoLS authorisation in place, to tell them what their rights are.

The DASS Guide

A compendium of practical content on delivering effectively against the statutory requirements of the role of Director of Adult Social Services.

Read the DASS guide