What the challenges of recruitment and retention ask of system leaders
Rachel Wardell, Chair of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) Workforce Policy Committee talks about how system leaders might work at the strategic, operational and personal level if they are effectively deal with issues around recruitment and retention.
Rachel Wardell, Chair of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) Workforce Policy Committee talks about how system leaders might work at the strategic, operational and personal level if they are effectively deal with issues around recruitment and retention. Rachel also talks about why leaders need to look forward to emerging crises in order to develop solutions that are fit for purpose.
Rachael Wardell has been Executive Director of Children, Families and Lifelong Learning at Surrey County Council since December 2020, and was previously DCS in the London Borough of Merton (2018-2020) and West Berkshire (2013-2018). In West Berkshire she ‘twin-hatted’ as Director of Adult Social Care too. She has worked in local government children’s services since 2009 and prior to that had 14 years’ experience in non-departmental public bodies including Ofsted (2002 – 2009). Rachael is also a qualified solution-focused coach, a trustee of Become – the charity for children in care and young care leavers, and a Member of the Frimley Integrated Care Board.
(Length: 4 minutes)
Reflective questions
Consider examples from your own organisation:
- Are you able to articulate to practitioners what it means to work effectively within your organisation?
- How do your approaches to recruitment and retention feel similar or different at strategic, operational and personal levels?
- How might you go about thinking yourself into the crisis that will take place in two year’s time?
Professional Standards
PQS:KSS - Lead and govern excellent practice | Creating a context for excellent practice | Designing a system to support effective practice
CQC - Safe | Effective | Well-led
PCF - Contexts and organisations | Professional leadership
RCOT - Collaborative | Monitor resources
