Introducing the latest version of the framework in London

Since April 2025, members of the working group (now expanded to 13 London boroughs) have continued to implement and embed the framework and test data availability across sections of the accompanying spreadsheet.

Those involved recognised early in the development and testing process the potential, in particular where family hubs are at the heart of their local integrated offer, to extend the common outcomes approach to their wider system, starting with early help and potentially as the foundation for a whole-system, children’s services/partnership approach to wider transformation and reform.  It is anticipated that this will enable them to respond to current policy development and expectations and to deliver the vision for ‘an integrated system of family help and multi-agency child protection’ within an ‘integrated end to end system of support from universal services through to care’ … ‘building support out of family hubs where they exist’.

This is demonstrated through the range of opportunities taken more recently to test and embed the approach across the boroughs involved, depending on their local circumstances, including:

•       Mapping available data and mapping services against the framework

•       Exploring alignment and mutual reinforcement with existing outcomes approaches

•       Aligning with qualitative evaluation processes

•       Reframing commissioning/contracting processes

•       As a starting point for the refresh of Early Help Strategies

•       Framing of the next stage of integration and supporting/driving local transformation and reform (linking to planning and implementation of the Families First Programme)

Following the release of the draft Local Government Outcomes Framework (LGOF) in July 2025, the consultation process led by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government was used to highlight our work in London and seek to influence and inform the final version, aiming for alignment wherever possible.

A further version of the common outcomes framework was prepared in September 2025 (see here), based on feedback gathered from working group members’ further local testing and implementation and alignment with LGOF.

The update required pragmatic decisions in response to the boroughs’ feedback and aligning with LGOF where possible, including removing some proposed aggregate measures and positive (re)framing of indicators and metrics that were originally included.  It does, however, retain the breadth of previous versions within which alignment with specific policy announcements and requirements can be highlighted within the wider, more holistic framework.  An example highlighting the alignment with LGOF, and including its Best Start- and other child and family-related elements, has been prepared.  As and when DfE announcements are made, a further version will be created which highlights specific Best Start in Life elements.

Most important has been the effort to hold on to the genuine focus on outcomes, even if that means surfacing gaps related to our readiness and ability to measure and record what matters most and turning these into opportunities to prioritise and fill gaps through collaborative action.