Latest Programme Completions: Celebrating Cohort 2 in Luton and in Surrey
Two was clearly the magic number in April, as we celebrated the completion of two Professional Support and Development Programmes – in Luton and in Surrey – and in both regions it was our 2nd cohort of care leaders to complete there this year!
Over a period of 9 months, care leaders working in complex, fast-paced care environments came together to pause, reflect, and consider how their leadership could support themselves, their teams, and their wider care service, to flourish.
Luton Cohort 2
Continuing our work with Luton Borough Council, Cohort 2 consisted of managers and deputy managers from care homes and supported living services. Although the group was small, the impact was anything but!
The care leaders began their programme during a period of very high pressure, but reporting leaving with a renewed sense of professional confidence, clearer priorities, and a stronger peer support network.
Participants were introduced to theories of leadership and management, which enabled them to foster a more supportive leadership approach, improve relationships with their staff teams, and also better assess areas for improvement in their care service:
“When I first joined, I was facing huge problems in my workplace… I held meetings, involved everyone, and I’ve now improved the home, made our documentation more person-centred, and earned greater respect from my staff, who understand why we are doing things. The change has made the home safer.”
Another shared how the programme shifted their mindset and supported better communication:
“Before I started the programme, I was a bit shy to discuss issues… but after the programme, I feel confident and comfortable in asking for help. I have grown in knowledge, earned new skills and shared this with the team back at the care home after every session. Together we’ve put it into practice.”
We’re delighted to be continuing to support this group with upcoming CPD sessions, as they continue to grow as leaders within their organisations!
Surrey Cohort 2
Meanwhile in Surrey, Cohort 2 built on the energy and enthusiasm of Cohort 1, once again commissioned by Surrey County Council. Supported by our facilitators Christine and Tom, the mixed group of leaders from care homes and home care had honest conversations about resilience, culture, and what strong leadership in care looks like.
All surveyed participants said that the quality of their management and leadership increased, along with their understanding of how to improve the culture of care, and the quality of engagement with their team members. Stress levels also decreased.
Participants said:
“I am now empowering the team to develop themselves and take on more responsibility, as well as encouraging them to reflect on their practice to improve quality.”
“The course has been very influential, a constant thread of safety and allowing people to talk. We had great conversations and I am quietly and calmly confident in myself that things are being managed more effectively.”
Creating designated space to support the professional development of care leaders is vital.
Both groups really valued having a mixed group (of services and responsibilities) to share experiences. Action learning sets provide an opportunity for addressing the key issues and practical challenges faced in their workplaces. These spaces work not because everyone arrives with the answers, but because care leaders listen, reflect and support one another.
Sharing individual experiences, coupled with considerate questions from peers, fosters a supportive atmosphere for individuals to problem solve themselves, and encourages participants to devise strategies and solutions tailored to their unique contexts.
This also helps care leaders to feel less alone and isolated in the challenges they face, and so we’re delighted that many leaders maintain connections and peer support beyond the formal end of the programme!
A big congratulations to the care leaders of Luton and Surrey!
The completion of these two cohorts marks another important step in our mission to empower social care leaders across England, and we’re looking forward to our next programmes!