Much of my time is spent meeting with partners, staff, and stakeholders to make sure the mobilisation of this exciting trial project is as smooth as possible across Calderdale and Kirklees.
Today, for example, I started with a 9am meeting with an external researcher who is building evidence for a Competency and Excellence Framework for organisations working with those who cause harm. This led to some really insightful discussions about how frontline staff and managers move from being proficient to truly excellent in their roles – and what support they need to achieve that.
I then attended a Members Forum with Respect, the UK charity focused on stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse. This monthly two-hour meeting gives all members the chance to discuss developments across the sector, highlight training and development opportunities, raise the ongoing issue of funding, and strengthen the network. It’s also a valuable space to support one another at a national level.
Later, I managed to find some time to complete the minutes from a recent team meeting and share them with the wider LEVEL team. Our meetings take place monthly in Huddersfield or Halifax and are a great opportunity for us all to come together, as we often work in different areas. Somehow, I always seem to leave with more actions for myself than anyone else though!
Tomorrow, I’m scheduled to meet with the Chief Officer of The Brunswick Centre, our partner organisation for the LEVEL programme. I spent part of the afternoon preparing a short agenda of items to discuss. A key focus will be the co-location of the LEVEL team across the partnership, which I believe is vital to the success of the project.
In and amongst all of this, I spoke with some of the team about engagement opportunities across the region. Increasing awareness of the LEVEL programme is an ongoing priority, and we want to make sure our presentations have the right focus and messaging for different audiences. It’s important to us that everyone knows we’re here – and ready to help.
I also have some training coming up later this week, and I would have liked to spend time looking at the pre-reading materials today. But that task will have to wait until tomorrow. As people begin to leave the office, I realise it’s probably time I do the same.
