So what exactly is this? It's a loose framework of shared "skills, knowledge and behaviours" that will be needed by managers of children's service departments and trusts. A list of bullet points in seven overlapping areas forms the skill set to drive the translation of those grand visions for integrated services into reality.
A complex job? Exactly why skilled management is so important. The framework, which is non-statutory guidance, is geared toward the current context: setting up teams, establishing roles and making connections. It's got a shelf life of up to five years.
Is it relevant to youth services? Of course. It's particularly important that youth services are aware of what's going on because implementation is being driven by the Children's Workforce Development Council. While the Children's Workforce Strategy in April 2005 identified youth work as a principal service, it may be dangerous to assume automatic inclusion in local workforce initiatives.
So what do managers have to be able to do? Many of the tasks are linked to handling complexity. So providing clarity about roles and responsibilities is vital, as is leadership on issues including risk and safeguarding, equity, and establishing a shared values base and common purpose. They'll need to be able to build alliances, negotiate change and be an ambassador for user involvement.
And the touchy-feely stuff? Oh yes, plenty - they will need to nurture professional skills, make people feel valued, prioritise staff development, foster a learning culture, involve team members in the design of services and support individuals who may feel caught between their team or profession and parent organisation.
There's also the practical skills of ensuring that multi-agency posts are well-designed from the start, gaining the support of partner agencies and the ability to facilitate meetings that acknowledge people with a range of approaches. Politicians, senior leaders and the press, especially Young People Now, also need to be briefed and updated regularly.
Does it really mention Young People Now? Honestly? No, but that's probably an oversight. Anyway, pushing on, information sharing is another important area. Among the key tasks will be detailed understanding of the legal frameworks, developing shared appreciation of the importance of information sharing while addressing staff's professional doubts, and developing robust safeguards. Good communication with young people and families is a further imperative, the task being to create a culture of listening and openness.
FACT BOX
- Championing Children was developed by a steering group led by the Department for Education and Skills with representatives of 25 bodies from education, local government, social care and health
- The framework draws on national occupational standards for management and leadership, but does not underpin a qualification. It's a statement of principles and a tool to plan training and development
- Championing Children is available on www.everychildmatters.gov.uk or from DfES Publications on 0845 6055560 quoting reference 04012-2006BKT-EN.
