Practice manager Review

I am a practice manager in Adult social care. I am a leader in a multi disciplinary team of social work and Occupational therapy. The team support all adults who require care and support or at risk of abuse. The team are preventative and work with people to develop their independence

Leadership and development. Strategy and use of tools. Self awareness and critical reflection and thinking. Policy development and theory to review documents. Digital redesign and innovation. Links to CMI. Change and culture in organisations. Project tools, theory, and management. Recruitment and talent management. Theory into practice. Application of research to inform practice

I enjoy learning but a lot of the degree has been self directed learning. Even with the 20 percent off the job training, this has been a challenge alongside working in a busy team. I found the courses online to be of more benefit as this reduced travel time and enabled space to think and reflect

The start of the course took place in Covid restrictions. This led to some challenges with IT and the timetable. The timetable changed including hand in dates for assignment. Feedback was delayed and brief on assignments. Teaching sessions toward the end of the course were rushed for the project sessions.

I am well supported by the employer. I get 1 day off the job training each week and support from the sponsor. I am able to ask for support and advice about my practice and how the course impacts on this. I feel valued and encouraged to develop my skills.

I am offered support from the MMU in the form of tutorials, face to face training. Feedback on assignments and presentations. Copies of slides and links to research are available on the Moodle site. Skills courses are available too. I have a skills coach that I can contact as needed.

The course gives me the underpinning research, knowledge and skills to improve my practice and to perform better in my role. This has given me both confidence and competence in application of management tools to inform my practice. I am able to reflect on my own practice and support staff to do so.

There isn’t any extra curricular activities to get involved with at work such as sports. There are networking events such as conferences and meetings to meet colleagues and share views and ideas. I arrange meetings outside of work for my own team- meals and days out together which improves wellbeing.

Yes

Cheshire East Council values it’s staff and will support with training opportunities and apprenticeship courses. As an employee this has retained my work at the council for over 20 years, and I continue to enjoy the educational opportunities provided both in house and externally. I am proud to work for this council,

I would give advice to look at the adverts to seek opportunities. Speak to the recruiting manager. Consider the qualifications needed and the job description. Consider roles within the council for areas of interest and look at the council website for information. Cheshire East also has employee assistance scheme for wellbeing