The role of sector led improvement in delivering improved services

From personal development to service growth, the idea of constant enhancement has proven to be a driving force behind success.

In the South West region, sector-led Improvement initiatives are embracing that concept and the transformative impact it can have on various aspects of our work. These initiatives and projects and the learning gained from them are shared across our networks. Sharing this learning fosters a culture of collective growth enabling individuals and organisations to tap into diverse perspectives and experiences for continuous improvement.

Our recent Learning Day Conference in July 2023 was one of those opportunities to share the projects that have been undertaken with the Building Back Better funding and the learning gained from them.

The day proved to be a real success, leaving a lasting impact on attendees. The project speakers delivered insightful presentations and workshops that covered a wide spectrum of topics, catering to diverse interests within the children’s services learning and development field. Attendees not only gained valuable insights and practical knowledge but also had ample networking opportunities that fostered meaningful connections. The overwhelmingly positive feedback received post-conference is a testament to the event’s success in fostering learning, collaboration, and inspiration among all who participated.

In the South West we also believe that leadership development plays a pivotal role in driving sector-wide improvement. As leaders grow and refine their skills, they become better equipped to guide their teams and organisations toward excellence. We are developing this with bespoke leadership opportunities that are regionally supported. This strong emphasis on leadership development will contribute to a more dynamic and responsive sector, that fosters innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking. These leaders, armed with enhanced capabilities, will be well-positioned to lead sector-wide improvements, introducing best practices, driving efficiency, and raising overall standards and ultimately delivering improved outcomes for our children and families across the region. In this symbiotic relationship, leadership development serves as the cornerstone of sector led improvement, creating a positive ripple effect that benefits the sector’s stakeholders and the larger community.

Sector-led improvement and effective leadership within development initiatives play an integral role in elevating frontline practice. As the sector embraces improvement efforts driven by collective knowledge and collaboration, frontline practitioners gain access to a wealth of shared insights, resources, and best practices and, ultimately, will directly contribute to improving outcomes for our children and young people.

Mary Kearney-Knowles is director of children’s services and education at Bath and North East Somerset Council. She is south west regional representative for the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS). This blog was first published on the ADCS website.