Leading to develop your team

Skills for Care has published an updated Developing new managers and deputies guide, designed to help adult social care providers identify, develop, and retain the next generation of leaders.

What’s included in the guide:

• Practical steps to support succession planning
• Real examples from a range of adult social care services
• Tools including checklists, interview templates, and scenario-based assessments.

With succession planning now considered as part of the Care Quality Commission’s Well-led assessments, knowing how to evidence leadership development is more important than ever.

This page shares key information on the Level 2 foundation apprenticeship that has been launched in 2025 to help young people take their first steps into adult social care. Designed for those aged 16–21 (or up to 25 with an EHCP or if they are a care or prison leaver), this employment-based route is mapped to key roles such as:

• Adult care worker
• Healthcare support worker
• Personal assistant
• Mental health support worker

The programme gives learners valuable real-world experience, a recognised qualification, and clear routes for progression. It also supports employers to build a confident and sustainable workforce for the future.

This 4 week part-time programme is designed for care staff is West Sussex ready to progress within this vital and expanding sector. The Preparation for Senior Social Care Roles Skills Bootcamp has been written with Social Care Leaders to give you the skills and knowledge you need to walk into a more senior position.

The course is delivered through online self-study units, with some tutor sessions local to you or delivered over Zoom.

An infographic to complement the Developing Managers and Deputies Guide.

A structured framework for inclusive, high-quality career conversations that help identify potential and plan development opportunities.

Skills Bootcamps are flexible, intensive training programmes lasting up to 16 weeks, designed for adults aged 19+ to develop sector-specific skills and fast-track career progression. Developed in collaboration with employers, these programmes provide structured, practical training and tailored support to help adults gain the skills and confidence needed to take the next step in their career.

If you’re looking to upskill your staff for new or enhanced roles, you can refer them to Skills Bootcamps and benefit from a substantial discount on course fees.

You can explore options for the health and social care sector by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking ‘Health & Social Care’.

This page of resources and information on succession planning is part of the NHS Leadership Academy’s Talent Management Hub.

This on-demand webinar offers practical guidance on supporting succession planning within your service. It covers:

• CQC expectations
• Identifying emerging talent
• Relevant qualifications and learning programmes
• Developing and supporting your deputies

As services face growing demand and increasing complexity, strong, values-led leadership is essential. Succession planning offers a practical way to prepare for the future by identifying and supporting team members with the potential to step into leadership roles.

Whether your team is large or small, planning ahead helps maintain continuity of care and a consistent culture. This involves strengthening skills, building confidence, and creating a learning environment that supports growth. This edition of the MILE newsletter explores how succession planning links to your role as a manager, with resources to help you put it into practice.

Free, flexible Skills Bootcamps are now available for anyone who lives or works in West Sussex and is looking to step into a leadership role within social care.

Each bootcamp runs for 4–6 weeks and includes nine tailored modules designed to strengthen leadership knowledge, communication, and management confidence. Training is delivered through online or in-person sessions, with assessments at the end of each module.