Supporting future leaders with Learn to LEAD

Last year, Community Integrated Care launched Learn To LEAD; our in-house training programme, designed to equip dedicated Support Workers with all of the training, support and advice they need to become confident and capable Service Leaders. Now, almost a year into the programme and with an incredible 212 colleagues applying for the second intake, we’re reflecting on its success so far.

Learn To LEAD is a 12-18 month programme open to all Support Workers across our organisation. It offers successful applicants the chance to take on increased responsibilities, whilst developing skills to prepare for new roles in leadership.

The programme is comprised of a variety of in-person training – covering topics from care and support planning to recruitment and retention – as well as dedicated mentoring and networking sessions with current mangers and subject matter experts. This enables participants to learn new skills, share knowledge and grow their connections.

Helen Gibbins, Senior Leadership Development Manager said, “Learn To LEAD is crucial because we know taking that next step from Support Worker to Service Leader can seem daunting. Through the programme, we aim to educate colleagues on what can be expected in a leadership role, demystify any preconceptions, and do everything we can to equip our people with the necessary skills to fast-track their development and be successful in their careers.”

She continued, “Our teams are really excited by Learn To LEAD, and they can see how much we’re investing in them, which really boosts morale and trust. It’s given people a real insight into the opportunities available to grow a career in social care too – and we’re seeing the impact of this already. Participants have shared how much their confidence and resilience have improved and how they’ve been able to put their learnings into practice proactively in their roles. The best part is, that there have already been a number of successful promotions within the group!”

Chris Christie enrolled on the programme last year, as a Support Worker, and is now proud to be leading one of our services in the North East.

Speaking of the impact that Learn To LEAD has had on his career and professional development, Chris said, “At the beginning of last year, I was looking to take the next step in my career and find a role with more responsibility. However, I wasn’t sure what this could look like in social care and was considering exploring jobs in other sectors. When I heard about the Learn To LEAD programme, I felt inspired, and soon found that there were lots of opportunities for progression and career development within the charity.”

He continued, “The programme is absolutely brilliant. It opens up so many opportunities, whilst also encouraging you to learn more about yourself and your potential. One of my highlights was attending an immersive 3-day leadership course, helping me to understand other people’s ways of working. From the connections I made in that session, I also found an opportunity to move into a Service Leader role and was delighted to start the position earlier this year in January – something which might not have happened had I not taken part in the programme.”

Community Integrated Care supports 2,500 people and employs 5,000 colleagues nationally. To find out more about the charity’s vacancies, and what it’s like to work for Community Integrated Care, visit www.workincare.co.uk.