A mentoring programme which is the first of its kind in the country aimed at registered managers working in social care has been hailed a success.
The 12-month pilot programme, which comes to an end this week, has been delivered by us in collaboration with partner organisations within the Humber and North Yorkshire NHS Health and Care Partnership.
The project, secured by funding from NHS England, was designed to help address the widespread issues of burnout, recruitment challenges and retention in the social care sector identified in a Healthwatch report.
It found that registered managers are currently under immense pressure and a recent study revealed that 50 per cent felt overwhelmed and overworked, and 18 per cent felt burned out.
Jayne Richardson, a registered manager legacy mentor, is a key figure behind the project, having helped 22 social care professionals.
Jayne brings decades of experience to the role after qualifying as a nurse in 1985 and spending the last 15 years as a registered manager in nursing homes.
She said: "This programme is about more than just mentoring – it's about making sure that our registered managers feel supported, valued, and heard. After everything the sector has gone through, it’s crucial that we create a sustainable and compassionate workforce. This is our way of ensuring that our legacy is one of resilience, care, and growth."
Jayne is passionate about supporting the development and integration of social care, and her leadership in the programme has already begun to make a significant impact.
Chantal Kinsella – who is the founder and manager at Bronte House Group, a bespoke homecare provider for older people, with specialist focus on dementia care - is just one person to have benefitted from the programme.
She said: “Being part of this programme has been a fantastic experience as I’m passionate about delivering exceptional care and leadership. Jayne’s mentorship and support has been so inspiring and hugely valuable when leading an organisation within the demanding world of social care.”
Our executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said the scheme demonstrates the council’s commitment to transforming social care for the better.
He said: “We believe that investing in people is investing in the future. We celebrate the success and positive ripple effects this initiative has created within the workforce, fostering a community of empowered leaders who are not only better prepared to support their teams but also to elevate the overall quality of care.”
Nichola Greenwood, Social Care Workforce Lead for North Yorkshire and York at the Humber and North Yorkshire NHS Health and Care Partnership said that as part of a larger mentoring programme for the social care workforce, collaborating with the council on this pioneering programme has been “truly rewarding”.
She added: “Jayne has been an exceptional mentor, with a deep understanding of the challenges inherent in the role. The positive outcomes we’ve achieved so far have already shown tangible benefits and I am confident they will leave a lasting legacy for the future.”