Personalisation central to social care management standards

Personalisation should be at the heart of good management in social care according to revised management induction standards launched today by Skills for Care.

The refresh of the original 2008 standards sets out core knowledge and skills for managers and is aimed at those new to management as well as those new in post who have previously managed other care services.

The revisions are designed to take account of the personalisation agenda and changes to qualifications.

It says managers are responsible for developing “positive relationships” between staff and service users and families, making the experiences of service users the measure of success and promoting self-determination among clients, as opposed to risk aversion.

There are eight ‘core standards’ for managers to adhere to:- governance and accountability; systems and processes to promote communication; partnership working and relationships; using person-centred practice to achieve positive outcomes; team leadership and management; managing resources; equality, diversity and inclusion; and
safeguarding and protection.

They also include the four optional standards of professional development, change and growth, managing business and ensuring quality.

The standards can to be used in a wide range of settings, including by people who manage their own services and micro-employers, as well as small, medium and large organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Although they are not mandatory in the same way as the common induction standards for care staff, Skills for Care recommends them as a “measure of good practice”.

“New managers should normally have demonstrated all the knowledge requirements of the recommended core standards within six months of taking up a management role,” it says

The standards were launched at Skills for Care’s annual conference today.

Get the latest information and practice news for managers in residential and domiciliary care on our You Care site