The Network includes adult social care EDI leads from each of our 14 councils along with representation from partner organisations such as West Midlands Employers, University of Birmingham, Skills for Care and others committed to EDI.
During 2025/26 the Network has been supporting councils in the region by:
Embedding the PACT Principles in regional EDI work
The network played a central role in the post‑riots programme, using the PACT framework (Power, Accountability, Connection, Trust) to build psychologically safe cultures, strengthen lived‑experience leadership, and support trauma‑informed practice across adult social care.
Aligning with the National Social Cohesion Strategy
The Social Cohesion Report mapped regional EDI activity to the national strategy’s three pillars—Confident Communities, Cohesion, and Resilience—and identified opportunities for ASC to lead on anti‑racism, digital harm prevention and community engagement.
View the WM ADASS EDI Network social cohesion report
Supporting councils with new local responsibilities
The network has helped local authorities understand the new duties around neighbourhood governance, safeguarding, hate crime, extremism and community participation. This work strengthens ASC’s role in building safe, inclusive communities.
Trailer for full recording of Disability and Discrimination in Gypsy Roma and Traveller Communities in the UK.
A transcript is available for this video.
About this network
The virtual network supports the West Midlands Improvement Programme providing information, improvement and best practice sharing for practitioners across the region. It also aims to:
- ensure that health and social care services can meet the needs of all our citizens by considering how we design for equality
- listen and learn from citizens who are underrepresented in our current services and workforce
- use this insight to help improve how we plan and deliver services, and how we support our workforce to support all citizens.
The Network is co-chaired by Deb Ward, Sandwell Safeguarding Adults Board Business Manager and Lee Calvert, Director, Adult Social Care at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and supported by Lynne Bowers, WM ADASS Associate.
WM ADASS launched its Equality Diversity and Inclusion statement of intent in April 2021.