Social care improvements: Feedback leads to UK’s first manager mentoring scheme
A mentoring programme run by North Yorkshire Council, aimed at supporting registered managers in social care, has been hailed a success. This 12-month pilot programme, the first of its kind in the country, came together by local organisations and the NHS working together (Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership).
Funded by NHS England, the project was designed to tackle the widespread issues of burnout, recruitment challenges, and retention in the social care sector, as identified in a Healthwatch North Yorkshire report about training and development of adult social care managers.
Addressing critical challenges
Our report highlighted that registered managers are under immense pressure, with 50% feeling overwhelmed and overworked, and 18% experiencing burnout.
In response, the mentoring programme aimed to provide much-needed support and development opportunities for these vital professionals.
Jayne Richardson is a registered manager legacy mentor. She has been a pivotal figure in the programme, supporting 22 social care professionals.
With decades of experience, Jayne has brought invaluable insights and guidance to the role. She emphasised the importance of creating a sustainable and compassionate workforce. She said:
“This programme is about more than just mentoring – it’s about making sure that our registered managers feel supported, valued, and heard.”
Chantal Kinsella, founder and manager at Bronte House Group, a bespoke homecare provider, is one of the many who have benefitted from the programme.
She praised the initiative:
“Being part of this programme has been a fantastic experience. Jayne’s mentorship and support have been so inspiring and hugely valuable when leading an organisation within the demanding world of social care.”
Pictured: Jayne Richardson and Chantal Kinsella
Commitment to excellence
Councillor Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services, highlighted the council’s dedication to improving social care.
He said:
“We believe that investing in people is investing in the future. We celebrate the success and positive ripple effects this initiative has created within the workforce, fostering a community of empowered leaders who are not only better prepared to support their teams but also to elevate the overall quality of care.”
Nichola Greenwood, the social care workforce lead for North Yorkshire and York at the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, also commended the programme.
She said:
“Jayne has been an exceptional mentor, with a deep understanding of the challenges inherent in the role. The positive outcomes we’ve achieved so far have already shown tangible benefits and I am confident they will leave a lasting legacy for the future.”
Looking ahead
As the pilot programme concludes, its success underscores the importance of continued investment in the support and development of registered managers. The initiative has not only addressed immediate challenges but has also laid the groundwork for a more resilient and effective social care workforce in North Yorkshire.
Healthwatch North Yorkshire’s report and the subsequent actions taken by North Yorkshire Council demonstrate a strong commitment to transforming adult social care for the better, ensuring that registered managers are well-equipped to lead their teams and provide high-quality care.
Healthwatch will continue to listen to feedback from the people who use services and those who work in it, asking for change where its needed, to ensure staff feel valued, supported and able to deliver the best care to the people of North Yorkshire.
