Style of leadership

Commentary

Leadership is always vital, especially during a time of change. Promoting the participation of children and young people means change in an organisation’s culture and requires leadership with courage and clout among staff, elected members, trustees and children and young people themselves. While dedicated staff will be needed to establish and develop good working practices with children and young people, support at a senior and executive level will be essential to champion the cause and build in the structures, systems and resources for maximum impact. As active involvement gets bedded in, leadership style will become increasingly based on partnership and cooperation, among elected members or Trustees, staff, partners and children and young people.

Indicators

Emerging

7.1 - Key managers and leaders act as champions for the active involvement of children and young people, with clearly identified responsibilities

7.2 - Managers and leaders support innovation on active involvement, accepting risks of mistakes and are committed to reflection and learning

7.3 - Managers and leaders in the organisation publicly acknowledge and celebrate the active involvement of children and young people and take an active part in key consultation and participation events

Established

7.4 - A leadership programme for managers and children and young people is established, based on the principles of active involvement

7.5 - Children and young people have a range of opportunities to meet senior staff, elected members or trustees to be included in decision making and promote active involvement

Advanced

7.6 - The organisation demonstrates to partner organisations an open style of leadership, collaboration and shared objectives on the active involvement of children and young people

7.7 - Leadership of specific projects and appropriate services involves both children and young people and adults