When you hear the word "leader," you might picture a boss in a suit. But in the world of social care, the true leaders are right there beside you. They’re the ones who roll up their sleeves and show you what it really means to care. They’re call them practice leaders, and they're the secret ingredient that makes good support truly great.
A practice leader leads with their heart. They're the ones who don't just follow the rules; they bring them to life with empathy. They'll gently show us the most caring way to communicate with someone who is preverbal and can’t tell their own story, or how to handle a tough day with patience and grace. They're the go-to person on the team because their passion shines through in everything they do. They don't just say "person-centered support"—they make sure every person feels seen, heard, and valued.
What makes them so special? They build their leadership on a foundation of trust. They believe in the power of putting the person at the very center of every choice and every moment. And they believe in their team. They are natural mentors who love to share their knowledge, always helping their team feel more confident and capable. They know that when we all lift each other up, everyone benefits. They understand the vision of the Service, and they show people how they can get there through their actions.
So, what's the result of this kind of heartfelt leadership? For the people supported, it means a life full of more joy, more independence, and a stronger sense of belonging. For the team, it creates a warm, supportive place to work. When we’re guided by someone who truly cares, coming to work feels less like a job and more like a purpose. The Practice Leader will guide, coach and mentor other staff into making a real difference in people’s lives.
Ultimately, practice leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about a deep, quiet commitment to making a real difference. It’s the caring actions, big and small, that transform a life. It's the best kind of leadership there is.
If you want to learn more, I can highly recommend the wonderful new book by Linda Hume and her colleagues Enabling Capable Environments Using Practice Leadership available at https://pavpub.com/learning-disability/enabling-capable-environments-using-practice-leadership-a-unique-framework-for-supporting-people-with-intellectual-disabilities-and-their-carers?srsltid=AfmBOoqPm7kKGds85tI0mZrFpnllO6_XZ564xAqvVpmZuowwkyP9N3Ks