Leadership programmes for aspiring directors

Jayne McCabe, National Leadership and Management Lead at Skills for Care, discusses the launch of two programmes designed to support aspiring social care directors.

Leadership in social care is crucial to maintaining and improving the quality of care across our sector. According to our most recent ASC-WDS data, England’s population aged 65 and above is projected to grow from 10.5 million to 14.5 million between 2020 and 2040. This means that by 2040 the sector may need 540,000 extra new posts (29% growth) to provide for the increasing need for care services.

To meet these demands, it’s essential that social care leaders are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges ahead. To support the workforce in doing this, we’re introducing two new leadership programmes aimed specifically at aspiring directors in our sector:

1. Becoming a Director of Adult Social Services – tailored for those working in social care in local authorities.
2. Becoming a director in social care – designed for individuals working in social care organisations.

Developed in partnership with the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi), these programmes offer aspiring directors the essential skills, peer networks, and confidence needed to take on leadership roles. Each programme is designed to help participants navigate the complexities of these positions, tailored with the tools and knowledge specific to the type of organisation they work in.

When and where

Both programmes will be delivered over a three-month period, during which there will be one introductory session and a number of residential days (hosted at Warwick University) and a series of live online workshops. The programme will start in April 2025.

Who will deliver the course?

The workshops will be delivered by a team of experienced leaders and experts in their field. This includes:

• Bill Love, Executive Director at NDTi, who brings over 25 years of experience in supporting people to live independently within their communities.
• Richard Evans, a journalist and trainer with professional experience ranges from reporting for newspapers, radio and TV to interviewing prime minister. He is also a familiar voice on BBC Radio Four where he works as an announcer.
• Cath Roff, MBE, a highly respected figure in social care with 35 years of experience, including 21 years as a director in various local authorities.

You’ll also hear from many other knowledgeable senior care colleagues from across the sector during your learning.

Why should I enrol?

Each programme’s sessions are intended to help participants lead with confidence, resilience, and ambition. They’ll offer insight into how to develop the decision-making skills required to manage a complex service and effect real change within a care organisation.

Key benefits of these programmes include:

• Transforming leadership: Learn from accomplished Directors of Social Care and nationally respected leaders, gaining the insights needed to drive change.
• Building confidence and competence: Develop the skills and expertise required to lead teams effectively and drive organisational improvements.
• Growing professional networks: Collaborate with a close cohort of like-minded leaders, creating valuable peer support networks.

Course Content

You can view the complete programme content by visiting the links below. However, to give you an idea of the kind of content we’ll be covering, we’ve provided a sample module from each of the courses below.

Becoming a Director of Adult Social Services

• Working with elected members and politicians (face-to-face)

This module will explore the relationship with elected officials and the role of DASS, the opportunities and some of the pitfalls, drawing on first-hand experience and providing you with tips and considerations for ensuring the relationship is positive and mutually supportive.

It will offer insight into performing the role of the DASS, negotiating the political landscape and provide examples of how this can be achieved positively, instilling confidence and understanding. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion in a safe space.

Becoming a director in adult social care

• Numbers to knowledge (live online)

Leaders understand the critical role that data plays in decision-making, informing strategy, allocating resources and effective governance, and yet a high proportion of those who are asked to make these decisions report a lack of confidence when it comes to using data as part of the process. This session will explore how data leadership is not about big data analysis or complex mathematics; it’s about knowing the potential pitfalls and the common issues that hide in even the simplest of data sets and having the confidence and techniques to uncover the truth.

How can I enrol?

You can find out more about enrolling by visiting the relevant events page:

Register for the Becoming a Director of Adult Social Services programme.

Register for the Becoming a director in social care programme.

Make sure to visit our 'Learning and development matters' campaign landing page for more information and resources.

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