Applications for new Systems Leadership - Local Vision programmes now open

On behalf of the Systems Leadership Steering Group, the Leadership Centre has opened the call for applications for the second round of Systems Leadership - Local Vision projects around the country.

The projects have brought people together from across the NHS, public health, local government, social care and other services, in order to create new ways of working and achieve measurable improvements in health, care and wellbeing.

Applicants are asked to identify a 'wicked issue' in their locality, where progress needs to involve a number of different sectors. They commit to applying what they learn about Systems Leadership to other issues, and to sharing that learning so that other areas can benefit.

The first 25 programmes, which were chosen last year from over 40 applicants, have covered a broad range of issues, from improving safeguarding for adults and children and integrating services for older people, to reducing alcohol abuse and improving exercise levels amongst a local population. Each project receives financial support alongside support from an experienced 'enabler', specialising in Systems Leadership approaches, to help the leaders in each project come together and deliver successful outcomes.

Outcomes so far

Outcomes have already included better integration across health, social care, local government and police services to support safeguarding; stronger networks between food producers and consumers to reduce waste in local food production; and commissioners working more closely with service users, carers and the voluntary sector.

For example, Anthony May, Deputy Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire County Council, was a key figure in their Systems Leadership project which supported a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). According to Anthony: "The creation of Nottinghamshire's MASH offered an excellent opportunity to implement Systems Leadership to solve a number of challenging issues. The support of the Leadership Centre allowed us to take a holistic, collaborative and flexible approach to improving processes, integrating across boundaries and freeing up capacity."

Felicity Owen, Director of Public Health in Cornwall, oversaw their Systems Leadership project around reducing food poverty. She said: "Being part of Systems Leadership - Local Vision has been invigorating, fun and is developing great outcomes, keeping local voices at its heart and making a real difference to creating food wealth."

Applications

Applications should involve a range of partners, such as Health and Wellbeing Boards, Service User and Carer Groups, local government, providers and commissioners across adults' and children's social care, primary and secondary health care, the private sector, and public health.

How to apply

More information and details of how to apply can be found at: http://www.localleadership.gov.uk/place/lvinvitation/ . Alternatively, there are contacts at the Leadership Centre: Debbie Sorkin on 0207 664 3137 or John Jarvis on 0207 187 7385.