Leading Change: Resources and Information for Leaders
Competency Framework
This framework sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed by professionals delivering mental health support to children, young people, and families.
The editable Competency Checklist Tool can be used by individuals and organisations to help evaluate and improve services.
Staying Safe from Suicide
80% of people in contact with mental health services who die by suicide are assessed as 'low' or 'no' risk at their last contact.
The use of static risk stratification is unacceptable. All mental health practitioners should follow this guidance instead.
Leaders Self-Assessment Tool
Freely available to download, this tool helps you reflect on your strengths, identify challenges, and decide where to focus your time, energy, and resources.
Underspent & Overstretched:
The Missed Opportunity in Every Service Budget
Investing in people is the most sustainable way to reduce costs, retain staff, and protect services. Spend the money you have wisely and well.
Read the short (500 word) briefing to find out how.
From Increasing Awareness to Improving Outcomes:
Raising Expectations in Children's (Mental Health) Services
When it comes to the wellbeing of children, young people and families, and the accuracy and quality of the information available to those who are working with them, we must stay focused on what works.
Read the short (900 word) briefing to find out how.
A new service model for children and adolescent mental health
"A fully integrated and innovative example of a service model that operates without tiers...An inclusive, compassionate, stigma-free and youth-friendly environment...the model aims to prioritise recovery, early intervention, prevention and the development of resilience."
The Department for Education’s commitment to expanding Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) to reach 60% of schools is a recognition of the outcomes achieved for some young people and families through early intervention and timely access to evidence based therapies.
However, there are key challenges that must be acknowledged:
- Fragmentation of Services: In many areas, MHSTs have duplicated existing voluntary and community sector (VCSE) provision, leading to increased fragmentation. Their introduction has, at times, further confused care pathways with additional referral routes and forms, websites, phone numbers — leaving families and professionals unsure where to go or how to access the right support.
- Gaps in Provision: A significant number of children remain unsupported — considered too ‘complex’ or ‘risky’ for MHSTs, yet not meeting the threshold for NHS CYPMH (CAMHS) Services. This ‘missing middle’ continues to fall through gaps.
- Inequity in Access: With only 60% of schools set to benefit, there is a real risk of widening inequalities in access to mental health support — dependent on which schools are included, and those schools who have had MHST support since their inception for many years, whilst 40% of schools nationwide are still not expecting to be able to access support.
While the investment is welcome and not to be underestimated, it is critical that it is not used in isolation, or used in ways that increases fragmentation. To maximize this investment's potential, we must:
- Integrate Services: Ensure MHSTs complement existing provisions, avoiding duplication and demand collaboration across sectors.
- Address the 'Missing Middle': Develop pathways for children who fall between MHST and CYPMH (CAMHS) criteria, ensuring no one is left without support.
- Promote Equity: Strive for universal access, so all students, regardless of their school's inclusion in the MHST program, receive the mental health support they need.
By adopting a holistic, integrated approach, we can create a cohesive system that truly supports the mental health and well-being of all children and young people.
I only recently left a role as Head of Children, Young People and Family Services. I know how much pressure services (and you as leaders) are under. I hope the resources, updates and information on this page and site are useful. If I can be of any help or support please do reach out. "It's good to talk."
Take care
Liam
Confidential support that is right for you
We all want the quality of Children's Services to be as high as it can be, and although there are similarities in some of the challenges we face (staff recruitment and retention, workforce training, financial pressures, high waiting lists and times) there are unique differences (and solutions) in every service and area.
Email me with your contact details and a good time to call, and I'll give you a ring to discuss your circumstances for a free initial chat.
Mental Health staff in the NHS Staff Survey scored 'We are always learning' as the lowest of all 9 domains*.
Whilst I know training budget’s are tight and resources are limited, I also know that investing in supporting the workforce is truly worthwhile.
Both in improving the quality and safety of care, and also improving morale and likely impacts on recruitment, retention and reputation.
(*responses of 125,876 NHS staff working in Mental Health or Learning Disability Services)
Workforce Training
Members of your team can book a place on any of the modules currently available, to attend a multi-agency training day.
Or, I can bring the training to your organisation or team and tailor it to your needs.
The training programme is in 3 courses:
Foundation, Enhanced and Specialist.
Whilst it’s not a requirement for participants to complete all courses like a ladder, and organisations can pick the modules that are right for them, the training is designed to build upon the previous sections knowledge.
If you're unsure which module(s) is (are) the best fit for your team, please feel free to reach out, I'm happy to discuss and want to ensure any training is as useful and effective as it can be.
For a booking form, or any questions please email: bookings@scypf.co.uk
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