SDN Children’s Services hosts centre director forum for the first time since 2020

Centre directors from across the SDN Children’s Services network recently came together for an SDN Centre Directors’ forum, the first since the COVID-19 outbreak began in 2020. 

The forum was planned for sharing ideas, discussing challenges and focussing on their wellbeing, and it soon became evident to CEO Kay Turner that the obstacles faced by the team throughout the pandemic, and into the present, have been considerable.

“(Directors) shared with me the challenges they are facing when staff sick leave and vacancy rates have doubled,” Ms Turner said. 

“COVID-19 and staff shortages have made our director’s lives very challenging. Every day they are called on to make difficult decisions to ensure compliance and quality.” 

“It was important for me to listen, and to let them know that the organisation will always support them when they make decisions in the best interests of children’s safety and wellbeing, even when it might be financially detrimental.”

The day was held in two parts, with the morning session focussing on the wellbeing of directors and the afternoon providing them with the opportunity to ask questions and share their views with SDN executives.

Ms Turner said gatherings such as these are indicative of the type of support SDN provides, which is much needed for front line managers and directors during challenging times. 

More information about the work undertaken by SDN may be found here.