Good Leadership Is The Best Way To Prevent Poor Practice, Says National Skills Academy

The National Skills Academy for Social Care, the employer led organisation developing social care leaders, expressed its concern today at yet another exposé on Panorama of poor care and abuse of older people living in residential care.

The Leadership Qualities Framework, published by the Skills Academy in 2012, sets out what good leadership looks like at every level, and includes the skills and personal qualities individuals working in the sector need in order to properly support the people in their care. One of these is ‘acting with integrity’ which includes being prepared to take action when ethics are breached.

Debbie Sorkin, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy, said:

“As an organisation representing organisations and individuals that deliver support to older people living in residential and nursing homes, we are horrified at the revelations in this programme. Ultimately, it is poor leadership that leads to poor practice and a culture of abuse behind closed doors in care homes.

“Whilst we recognise the gravity of these revelations, we do not wish to condemn the whole of the care sector. It is crucial that social care leaders, including commissioners, providers, and regulators, work with each other positively to ensure high quality services.

“Only by developing true leadership behaviours at all levels as evidenced in our research and our Leadership Qualities Framework can we bring about a culture of leadership that will result in the best care and support for the whole of the adult social care sector.”