Learn To LEAD!

Developed by Community Integrated Care’s in-house Learning & Development team, Learn To LEAD is designed to provide opportunities for our charity’s most dedicated Support Workers to become confident and capable Service Leaders.

Over 12-18 months, the programme will offer successful applicants the chance to participate in a series of training sessions, seeing them take on increased responsibilities whilst developing skills to prepare for new roles. With networking opportunities and mentorship, Learn To LEAD will create incredible opportunities for Support Workers to make connections and develop their careers.

After applying to the programme, participants were invited to an in-person workshop to support our Learning & Development team to make the tough decision of who would be successfully enrolled onto the scheme – looking for those with ambition and passion for our sector.

Taking place last month, the day involved a range of activities to help our colleagues see a clear path for progression, allowing the group to better understand the role of a Service Leader, hearing inspirational stories from managers, and sharing their own experiences.

Sara Griffiths, our Early Careers Specialist who has developed this programme said, “Learn To LEAD is so important because there’s a huge leap from Support Worker to Service Leader. Our charity really wants to do everything it can to equip our people with the necessary skills to be really successful in their careers.”

“It’s also the first stage in Community Integrated Care’s development of a career path for our Support Workers. In so many other sectors there’s a way to progress, but that’s less clear in social care. We want to make that process open to everyone and give people the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to succeed.”

Helen Gibbins, Senior Leadership Development Manager said of the day, “We’ve got Support Workers from across the organisation here to explore what leadership means and to help us decide who our leaders of the future are. The day is packed with activities, from presentations to communication tasks, to help individuals understand their own development better. I’m so pleased that so much of the feedback for the programme has been extremely positive.”

The programme will offer 42 successful applicants the chance to develop their careers, make valuable connections and create new opportunities.