This programme is designed specifically for aspiring Director of Adult Social Services (DASSs) who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. This programme is a part of the New Directors programme.
In partnership with:
In today’s complex and ever-changing social care landscape, the DASS role demands resilience, innovation, and unwavering confidence. This programme is your tailored solution to navigate these challenges successfully while making a meaningful impact in your community and organisation.
It’s delivered by industry leaders with evidence-based leadership development expertise and the content is contemporary, relevant, and personalised to the unique needs of aspiring DASSs.
Whether you’re an aspiring DASS or a current DASS who is thinking about success planning or are thinking about how to provide a leadership pathway to the DASS role, you’ll be interested in finding out more about this programme.
Book your place.
Why choose this programme?
Transform your leadership - Gain access to proven strategies, tools, and insights from accomplished Directors of Social Care and nationally respected leaders. From system leadership to personal resilience, every module is crafted to help you thrive.
Grow your confidence and competence - Build the expertise you need to inspire teams, drive organisational change, and tackle real-world challenges with clarity and precision.
Develop essential networks - Collaborate with a small, dedicated cohort of like-minded leaders. Exchange ideas, ask questions, and form connections within a safe and supportive environment.
The programme
This programme includes an online welcome session in March, and four immersive face-to-face workshops delivered by leading experts, held over two sets of consecutive days in April and in June.
Full attendance at the face-to-face residential days is a mandatory requirement of the programme.
Workshops include:
- Personal development and alliance‑building
- Values‑based and courageous leadership
- Working effectively with elected members
- Narrative management and media communications
- System leadership and integration with health
- Place‑based, preventative and integrated approaches
- Presentation of Self
- Workforce planning and inclusive workforce cultures
- Action learning on real workforce challenges
- Reflecting on the changing face of care and support
- Strengths‑based commissioning
- Innovative provider models
- Understanding the DASS recruitment process
- Data‑led leadership and demonstrating impact
What you’ll achieve
You will:
- lead with confidence, resilience, and ambition
- inspire high-performing teams and foster inclusive, dynamic work environments
- develop advanced decision-making skills to address complex issues
- build a strong foundation of political intelligence and strategic thinking
- drive meaningful organisational change and improve outcomes for the communities you serve.
Dates
- Online welcome session – Thursday 26 March 2026
Face-to-face sessions
- Day one – Wednesday 29 April 2026
- Day two – Thursday 30 April 2026
- Day three – Tuesday 16 June 2026
- Day four – Wednesday 17 June 2026
Location
All face-to-face workshops will be held at Warwick University.
Accommodation is not included in the programme cost, but we can provide a discount code to book your accommodation at Scarman House, Warwick University on a bed and breakfast basis.
Participants choosing alternative accommodation will need to book independently and arrange their own breakfast.
Evening meals on the 29th April and 16th June are included, and participants are expected to stay for dinner as guest speakers will be joining the group. Lunch is provided for all in‑person days.
Free parking is also available on site.
Cost
£1700 +VAT
Participants are eligible to claim LDSS funding of £510 to support attendance.