Leading from the inside out

Blog posting by Philippa Thompson, CEO, Independent Living Association - a personal reflection a leadership programme with a difference.

"When Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) launched its first Leadership for Empowered and Healthy Communities programme last year, a joint venture with partners from ADASS, the Department of Health, Skills for Care, NHS South Central Strategic Health Authority and the National Skills Academy for Social Care, I knew I had to be part of it.

Like many other people working in the voluntary sector, in strategic leadership roles and leading on the ground, I'm a massive advocate of empowering people and building social capital in communities to ensure that the power to change and improve lives is in the hands of the people who matter - the people who need and want to choose and use social and healthcare support services in their local areas. Ideas like co-production of services, empowerment, engagement with people who use services and self-directed support are familiar and, I find in every day interactions with disabled people, families, carers and commissioners, valued."