A factual description of your example (as free from judgement as possible):
When setting up our Women Services many years ago the team got to point where they felt ‘stuck’ and lost as women were not able to progress easily and work became a constant challenge. Although positive, trusting relationships were well established and women who would normally avoid services were engaging very well with staff, the team began to question their role and the purpose of the service.
Staff were at risk of burning out, they were running around trying to be ‘everything’ for these women, falling into the ‘rescuing’ role. It wasn’t until staff received clinical supervision to help validate their experiences that roles and responsibilities became clear as well as the service model. It was apparent that positive change was happening but it was small and difficult to see, but crucial to the healing to a vulnerable women who has experienced repeated sexual trauma.
It was then soon after we developed a framework and stages that the service moved women through, and how we talked about our role became defined and more expert. We also introduced trauma programmes to move from engagement to change and then stabilisation.
Whose needs are met in the example that you outline:
Women with experience of sex work and sexual exploitation, with multiple and complex needs, and staff supporting the women.
What positive impact do you think this example had at the time:
The positive impact was staff were offered clarity and could make sense out of what was going on, it also reduced the risks of burn out. Boundaries, empathy, and consistency became a thread running through all our work and women accessing support understood the model of project and its aims.
What factors do you think may have contributed to this example (e.g., leadership, pathway, values etc):
- Managers recognising the need for clinical/reflective practice and prioritising this/securing funding
- Staff feeling able to be honest and a supportive, positive team culture
- Working with a trauma specialist to develop in-house trauma programmes
How do you feel when you bring this story to mind?
Pleased that we found a way to develop and progress with the service as there’s such a need for this provision.
What motivated you to bring this example in particular:
It’s brought organisational change for Womens Services
Tags: compassionate and transformational leadership
Published: 2021-08-19