Enabling Leadership: Research to identify what good leadership looks like in Scotland's social services

Citation

George C, Patterson F, Stocks-Rankin C & Pemble C (2016) Enabling Leadership: Research to identify what good leadership looks like in Scotland's social services. Scottish Social Services Council. Scottish Social Services Council. http://www.sssc.uk.com/about-the-sssc/multimedia-library/publications/209-research/enabling-leadership

Abstract
First paragraph: The aim of this research project was to investigate what good leadership in Scotland’s social services looks like and whether it is making a difference to outcomes for people using services and the social service workforce. The project builds upon significant work undertaken across the sector to enhance leadership at all levels. The Changing Lives report1 recommended a focus on ‘enabling leadership’ alongside ‘effective management’ and ‘a leadership style that gives staff, users and managers the power to develop creative solutions’. In 2010 Leading Together2 highlighted a range of challenges involved in supporting leadership development in social services. These included inherent tensions between holding on to control and letting go; delegating authority yet still being accountable; supporting innovation while managing risk. Also, it was clear that leaders needed to work effectively across agency and professional boundaries, finding common ground and balancing their own organisation’s priorities with an overarching focus on better outcomes for people.