-term reforms are welcome, and needed, but the transformation of education, SEND and social care systems, not to mention changes to health and policing, will take some years to realise. In the interim, more is needed to ensure that children do not continue to suffer deprivation and harm as a result of incoherent or outdated policy decisions across a range of government departments and that more local authorities do not tip into financial insolvency. The safeguarding system does not exist in isolation. This government’s mission-led approach offers a unique opportunity to put prevention at the heart of cross-ministerial policy, resourcing and local systems. The SP9 data presented evidences the tenacity and commitment of local government as allies in realising the opportunity mission. DCSs and their teams continue to have an unapologetic and unwavering focus on children and families and are ready to work with the government on these imperatives going forward. 7.2 Safeguarding Pressures 9: Data collection methods The report is based on new primary data collected between June and September 2024, combining survey responses, point-in-time data returns and interviews. Our primary data are further supplemented and contextualised with information and statistics from numerous publicly available data sources and reports, as cited throughout. Survey (86 responses, a 56% response rate): All local authorities received an email invitation from ADCS to participate in an online survey open between late June and early September 2024. The bespoke survey included a mix of scaled and open-text questions. Data return (124 responses, an 81% response rate): All local authorities received an email containing a data collection template inviting them to participate in the research. The 81 data ret