At its core, leadership is all about bringing people together around a shared ambition, inspiring others to move with that vision, securing the commitment and resources needed, and shaping a space where improvement, reflection and learning can genuinely happen. In social services, this is never simple, as leaders are working with tight budgets, pressures on the workforce, and priorities that can shift overnight because of political turmoil or funding limitations. Change sits within a context shaped by values of rights, inclusion and autonomy, the complexity of systems and partnerships, and a strong belief in the strength that diversity brings. Whilst initiating change can be difficult, sustaining positive developments can be even more challenging due to embedded cultures and established doctrines.
This pre-conference event is designed to bring together those with an interest in leadership to explore together the challenges of achieving positive change in social services in an honest and practical way. It will combine the insight of educators, researchers, and practice leaders, and be co-facilitated with people with lived experience of social services. Research evidence can inform how leadership can effectively respond to the context and challenges of social services, and evaluation methodologies can provide rigour and focus to improvement processes. This session will be a chance to learn from one another, share what works, question what does not, and build confidence in leading positive change.
Outcomes from the event include:
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Engaging with the latest research and theory regarding leadership of change in social services
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Learning from practical examples of leadership of change across Europe and the enablers and barriers encountered
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Understanding how research and evaluation methodologies can inform and support improvement activities during times of change.
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Connecting with colleagues to share insights and consider options for peer learning networks within ESN and beyond
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Reflecting on values and behaviours, and identifying opportunities to further enhance one’s own positive leadership practice.
Presenters:
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Robin Miller, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Suela Lala, Board Member, European Network on Independent Living, Albania
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Isaac Samuels, Keynote Speaker, Facilitator, Visiting Lecturer at Various Universities, and Anti-Racism Lead, Lived Experience, Co-Production Collective Member, United Kingdom
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Heidi Have, Head of Department, Older People Care Department, Health and Care, Municipality of Aarhus, Denmark
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Nanna Tinggaard Nielsen, Nursing Home Principle, Borgvold, Older People Care Department, Health and Care, Municipality of Aarhus, Denmark
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Julie Sørensen, Consultant, Older People Care Department, Health and Care, Municipality of Aarhus, Denmark
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Birgitta Persdotter, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in Social Work, Karlstad University, Sweden
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Cecilia Karlstrom, Project Manager, Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), Sweden