Strengthening Leadership in Homecare across Islington
This week, we’re celebrating the transformative impact of the My Home Life England Professional Support and Development Programme (PSDP) in Islington.
Funded by the London Borough of Islington, the PSDP supported home care leaders to strengthen their leadership skills, embed relationship‑centred practice, and improve outcomes for staff and people drawing on care.
The programme combined tailored coaching and workshops, with leaders experiencing change in themselves, their teams, and the services they lead.
What Impact did Care Leaders Experience?
- Growing confidence and a stronger leadership identity
Leaders shared feeling more confident and valued in their roles. Many described a shift from managing day-to-day pressures to leading with greater purpose and conviction.
“Doing the course has brought us together as a leadership team in Islington. It has challenged us to look at ourselves as leaders because all of us were managing services but not necessarily leading, and this has given us an opportunity to do that.”
2. Stronger Teams and Better Communication
Participants spoke about improved communication and team relationships, supported by more reflective and solution-focused approaches.
“I learnt a lot, one of which is communicating better using the adult-to-adult approach… I am now more solution-oriented and confident when speaking with carers, social workers, and others.”
3. Work-Life Balance and Wellbeing
The programme also supported leaders to think differently about wellbeing, not as an extra task, but as part of sustainable leadership:
“I have gained skills and learnt how to delegate, prioritise my well-being, and create healthy boundaries… Caring Conversations is a tool I now use in supervisions and team meetings.”
4. Critical Thinking and Role Modelling
Leaders reflected on how the programme shaped both their thinking and their presence as leaders:
“My critical thinking has greatly improved. I learnt the importance of putting people first as a leader and being a role model to my team. My relationship with my team has improved a lot, which has positively impacted our service users.”
5. Rediscovering Leadership Potential
For some, the programme reignited confidence they didn’t realise they had:
“I used to think leadership wasn’t for me… stepping out as a leader feels like a promotion. Leadership skills that were dormant have come alive.”
From Everyday Language to Shared Voice
Alongside evidence-based frameworks such as Caring Conversations and the Senses Framework, leaders explored the concept of Glorious Ordinary Language — choosing everyday language that recognises people as individuals, not tasks or services.
The programme also created opportunities for leaders to use their voices beyond the room. As part of the later workshops, participants contributed insights to an article published in Care Talk magazine, offering real perspectives from the frontline of care.
Commissioner’s Perspective
Islington’s commissioner, Nikki Ralph, reflected on the programme’s impact at the celebration event, describing it as “more than I dreamed it would be.”
“Hearing everyone’s feedback was unbelievably heart-warming… what stood out was the willingness to embrace new ideas, the power of language, and the shift from seeing challenges as failures to viewing them as opportunities for growth. Most importantly, participants left as a team, ready to take learning back into their organisations and make home care even better for the residents it serves.”
Looking Ahead
The PSDP supported these Islington social care leaders to pause, reflect, learn and grow. Looking ahead, they are taking forward greater confidence, clearer priorities, and practical ways of leading that support their wellbeing, their teams, and the people they care for. Congratulations to all on your achievements!
