Sponsoring TYS during a restructure of children’s services
| Provider | Training and Development Agency |
|---|---|
| Topics | Youth Matters |
| Type | Emerging practice |
| Date | June 2006 |
| Region | Not Applicable |
Restructuring of children's services in this authority meant the sponsor had limited ability to influence the agenda. The restructuring included many senior posts being redefined and advertised, including the director of children's services and her senior team.
The restructuring also meant there were two potential authority work streams where the targeted youth support (TYS) project might sit.
Although the TYS sponsor was senior (an assistant director reporting to the director of children's services) and was enthusiastic about TYS, he had limited influence in promoting the agenda since his future role was unclear.
The director of children's services, the project sponsor and the project manager agreed that the project should not be delayed. They met with the assistant directors of the two potentially aligned work streams and agreed to meet them on a fortnightly basis to ensure they were up to speed with developments and they had a common view of the way forward. They also agreed that the assistant mangers would formally communicate the importance of the project to their staff and that they would attend the senior management group meetings.
Comments
This approach was difficult for the two assistant directors because of the uncertainty around their own future roles. However, both were passionate about the agenda and it was this that made commitment to the project possible.
Further information
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