The overall aim of this award is to facilitate those who have a supervisory or leadership role within Children and Family Services and to develop further their critical reflection and appraisal of self-awareness; skills of leadership and management in personal and professional practice. Effective models of supervision will be reviewed.

The principle focus within the module will be on factors contributing to effective leadership and management in the context of the complex role and responsibility for safeguarding and preventative services managers, and the impact this will have on team performance, organisational culture, and the vulnerable children and young peoples practice agenda.

An in-depth exploration of contemporary social work leadership will be facilitated through a process of guided learning. Core content will focus on strategies to examine, critically reflect and analyse self and team management and will broaden their understanding and application of the leadership role in practice.

Action Planning and reflective approaches to developing self and others will be a central facet of this module

Within their leadership role Practitioners will understand the political and organisational drivers that are shaping children and young peoples safeguarding services. This will include a critical engagement with the Children's Workforce Development Council agenda for Integrated Working and Collaborative practice, and the changing role of Social Work Managers.

Contemporary models of coaching and mentoring will be reviewed and discussed to support practitioners in developing their own skills in analysis, and decision making leading to transformed perspectives on leadership and management practice and the contribution it makes to developing themselves and others.

The role of Working with Risk and Managing Risk in complex situations will be considered, drawing upon contemporary approaches to risk management and accountability, leading to stronger and more robust decision making in the best interests of children, young people, their families and their carers within the safeguarding arena.

Contact Hours: (39)
18 hours Interactive Workshops
6 hours Seminars
6 hours Lectures
6 hours Problem-based learning
3 hours Seminar Workshop for Research Informed Practice

Independent Study Hours: (261)
100 hours Engagement with Technology Supported Learning
25 hours Preparation for Seminar Workshops
100 hours Private Study
36 hours study time from the organisation

Blackboard, IT facilities and classroom.

Portfolio of evidence based in practice and theory, drawing upon leadership and management role to develop and build competence and confidence. The portfolio will contain the following key elements:

1. SLOT Analysis 0% weighting Pass/fail
2. 3000 Word Anonymous Case Study based on a complex case where the learner has decision making responsibility. The case study will identify the key issues within the case, the decision making process that led to effective safeguarding practices and management of complexity. Models of leadership and management will be considered and the contributions and outcomes. 60% weighting (contributes to meeting all LO's)
3. 2000 Word Critical Incident Analysis of a Case which will include an Action Plan that reflects the challenges and tensions within multi agency working, and how these were resolved. 40% weighting (contributes to meeting all LO's)

The centrality of communication, and working collaboratively within integrated services will be a primary focus achieved through the Critical Incident Analysis and the action plan will demonstrate an integration of the theoretical learning into practice

all elements must be passed in order to pass the module.

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Through small group seminars and presentations of case studies learners will reflect on their leadership role and examine tensions and critically build on their perspectives.

Relevant professional qualification recognised by the Children¿s Workforce Development Council integrated qualifications framework and a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience
Currently working in a leadership/management role with children, young people, their families and carers service provision.

Calder, M,. (2008) Contemporary Risk Assessment in Safeguarding Children.
Hafford-Letchfield T, et al (2008) Leadership and Management in Social Care
Harrison P, (2009)Managing Child Welfare and Protection Services
Lambley, S: (2009) Proactive Management in Social Work Practice.
Laming, H. (2009) The Protection of Children in England, A progress Report