Celebrating our North Central London Advanced Care Leaders and their new strategic role in the system
“Care providers like us need a seat at the table to support health and social care challenges locally.”
That was the message loud and clear from the newly established ‘North Central London Care Leaders Group’ – a group of experienced social care leaders passionate about making real change in the sector, who now have a strategic role in supporting their local system.
The group work across care homes, domiciliary care and supported living services.
They met on our North Central London Advanced Care Leaders Programme, and have now formed a movement recognised by North Central London Councils as having a formal role to play in supporting improvements across the Integrated Care System.
The programme, funded by Rayne Foundation and delivered in collaboration with North Central London Councils, spanned nine months of leadership development, reflection, personal growth and collaboration.
Last week, we had the privilege of attending the launch of their new group and hearing their vision for a strategic role within their local system.
The event, held at City St George’s, University of London, brought together the care leaders with system leaders and stakeholders from across North Central London, to reflect on and celebrate their experiences of the My Home Life England programme, and to hear their vision for a collaborative future between the sector and the system.
Care Manager Belinda Siggers said:
“For years social care providers have been on the receiving end of decisions made elsewhere. But this group has come together to change that. We want to lead, to influence and to forge partnerships that could reshape the landscape of care.”
A Day of Reflection, Celebration and Collaboration
The event, led by the Advanced Care Leaders, gave opportunity for open, meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in health and social care, highlighting the importance of collaborative leadership in making a real difference.
Previously nothing existed that helped care leaders to be part of the solutions to challenges the system is facing. In a very positive step, it was agreed that the new North Central London Care Leaders Group will now be the place that the Local Authority will come to, to engage with issues facing the sector.
The day also recognised the hard work and dedication of the Advanced Care Leaders. Their moving testimonials showcased the transformative impact of their My Home Life England Programme, not just on their professional development but on their teams and the people they support. Alongside developing their leadership style and personal resilience, care leaders spoke of how the My Home Life England programme developed their communication and influencing skills, and their understanding of the wider health and social care system.
Sue Ann Nnamani, Registered Manager, said:
“Our programme has helped us to lead positive, sustainable changes in care quality and in staff morale, and to navigate complex conflict resolution and difficult situations with more confidence. Many of us now feel more self aware, and better equipped to manage stress and emotions in a high pressured environment. We were also empowered to challenge, to innovate, and to actually make a difference.
Going through the My Home Life England programme rekindled our sense of passion for care leadership. The shared experiences with our peers helped us to feel less isolated, and reinforced a collective responsibility for change within social care. We learnt from one another and built long lasting professional networks, which has now formed the North Central London Care Leaders Group – one that we are very proud of. We feel we have what it takes to actually make a difference. Now is our time.”
Naomi Madden-Crowe, Adult Social Care Workforce Programme Manage, North London Councils Team, said:
“I’ve seen the journey of these Advanced Care Leaders from start to finish. I’m delighted to see their passion and enthusiasm to move this work forward, and become truly strategic partners across the system. They are going to have a really key part to play across the wider Integrated Care System and will be working collaboratively with us to take over some of our current programmes, such as the Care Provider Network. I’m really excited for this next chapter, and I’m also grateful to My Home Life England who enabled this group to form and have been very positive throughout.”
Looking Ahead
A huge congratulations to all the care leaders who completed our North Central London Advanced Care Leaders Programme! The conversations and connections formed during this event are the beginning of a continued effort to support partnership working between the sector and system across North Central London, and we look forward to seeing how the North Central London Care Leaders Group develops in its new strategic role.
If you want to discuss how to bring this initiative to your local area, please get in touch.
Pictured below:
Belinda Siggars, Geoffrey Odur, Sue Ann Nnamani, Gifty Ampofo, Mark Willard, Maureen Egbirika, and Lorna Esterine, with My Home Life England Director Tom Owen, and Programme Facilitator Christine Fogg
