New report identifies key aspects of outstanding leadership in adult social care

Strong Leadership and management are essential to providing good adult social care and a new report from the National Skills Academy for Social Care and the Work Foundation published today identifies the key aspects of outstanding leadership. The report comes as the Academy formally launches a sector-wide consultation on the development of a future leadership strategy.

One of the Academy's main roles is to improve care provision by focusing on leadership and management. It was tasked by the government to produce a leadership strategy - to be launched in the summer - as part of their Vision for Social Care that was published by the Department of Health in November last year. 

Identifying excellence and being able to share this knowledge to organisations working in the sector through forums such as its membership offering is one of the Academy's key aims.

Brian Cox, Head of Leadership and Management at the National Skills Academy for Social Care said:

"Improving leadership and management at all levels is vital if we want to provide care that treats people with respect, protects their rights and dignity, while supporting them to live the lives they want. I hope that everyone that shares this view will work with us on developing a credible, deliverable and cost effective leadership strategy."

 With the help of the Academy the Work Foundation identified and interviewed some of the most respected and successful care leaders in order to understand their practical and philosophical approach to leadership. 

 The interviews highlighted a great deal of commonality in several areas including:

 Creating an open and supportive environment.

• Empowering people to achieve more than they thought possible.
• High expectations of delivery and behaviour.
• Recognising the importance of communication.