Support to Frontline Managers is a project that has developed bespoke packages of support to a key group of managers.
So far 86 local authorities have benefited from the project that started in 2009. Patricia Stratton, from Sunderland, said: "Team managers have enthusiastically taken part in this programme and have reported feeling valued and better supported in the task of frontline management. They welcome the new opportunities afforded by the programme to come together as a group in order to share ideas and learn from each other."
The project looked at various aspects of support, including ways of:
- improving levels of self-confidence in leading and managing social work teams and inter-agency multi-professional working;
- improving skills in facilitating joint working of team members;
- allowing greater ability to reflect on personal practice; and
- new skills (for mentors) which aid their career development.
Mary Baginsky, assistant director of social work at CWDC, said: "Professor Munro's review recognises the critical role of frontline managers and how it is essential that they get the correct support.
"We feel that this programme has been effective in providing support to what is a vital part of the team delivering services for children, young people and families.
"We will now be helping the pilots involved to share information via our website. This will involve an outline of the projects, key findings, case studies and useful approaches. It will be available on our website in the coming weeks.
"Over the next year, we'll be working with other national bodies to implement the findings from the Munro review and the taskforce."
