2025-2026 SE DCS Peer Challenge

January – March 2026

A large group of colleagues sitting together at a meeting table

The 2025-2026 Peer Challenge Cycle will take place between January and March 2026. The DCS groupings continue from the previous year’s sessions – please see below for details.

There is a parallel Lead Member self-assessment and peer challenge cycle which is supported by Helen Watson (see below for contact) which concentrates on the Lead Member role rather than on service quality.

We offer access to our growing library of the region’s self-assessments and the Peer Challenge data packs in the password-protected  Peer Challenge Library. For access please contact Isabelle Gregory (details below).

For further discussion, please contact Richard Tyndall, Programme Manager, details below.

Governance & Reports

The South East DCS Peer Challenge is underpinned by the ethos and governance demonstrated through the 2025-2026 Memorandums of Understanding

2025-2026 DCS Peer Challenge groupings: dates to follow when confirmed

    Please use the contact details below to find out more.
    TriadF to F or virtual?
    1tbcBrighton and HoveIsle of WightPortsmouthWokinghamUnder discussion
    2tbcEast SussexSurreyWest SussexUnder discussion
    3tbcHampshireKentOxfordshireUnder discussion
    4tbcBracknell ForestMedwayReadingF to F
    5tbcMilton KeynesWest BerkshireWindsor and MaidenheadUnder discussion
    6tbcBuckinghamshireSloughSouthamptonUnder discussion

    Details of Previous Peer Challenge Rounds

    SE DCS Peer Challenge 2018-2019

    SE DCS Peer Challenge 2019-2020

    SE DCS Peer Challenge 2020-2021

    SE DCS Peer Challenge 2021-2022

    SE DCS Peer Challenge 2022-2023

    SE DCS Peer Challenge 2023-2024

    SE DCS Peer Challenge 2024-2025

    Contact Details

    Data Benchmarking: Luke Ede (East Sussex)

    Luke.ede@eastsussex.gov.uk

    07925 148597

    SESLI Programme Manager: Richard Tyndall (South East Sector-Led Improvement Programme)

    richard.tyndall@richardtyndall.co.uk

    07880 787007

    SESLIP Consultant: Isabelle Gregory (South East Sector-Led Improvement Programme)

    isabelle@firstcareconsultancy.co.uk

    LGA Children’s Improvement Adviser: Helen Watson (South East Sector-Led Improvement Programme)

    helen.watson5@icloud.com

    07810 011892

    South East RCC Events