Operations Manager Review

Manager of fostering service - this is a heavily regulated service and the role requires monitoring and analysis of data, accountability for safeguarding and well being of all young people, support and training for Foster Carers, Case Management, Finance and budgeting, reporting, Health and Safety, budgeting, staff management. Development of the service to ensure growth and sustainability.

Additional training provided to understand systems within the service plus external factors of safeguarding, race equality, self awareness to enable and assist with the working tasks. Finance support has enabled management of budgets and being able to financially forecast. Development of people skills is a learnt experience for staff management and liaising with Commissioning bodies.

I find the job is extremely fast paced and diverse which brings stresses but also enjoy the challenges and development. The team are all relatively new and enthusiastic and therefore team building and working together cohesively is enjoyable. The organisation itself is a well known children's charity and is established.

The induction to the programme was well explained but I think by using the systems it will become clearer and easier to use. I have completed the one training session so far offered and this was helpful and interactive. I have not needed to ask for support but I know who to contact if I needed it and will do so in the future. So far the programme seems well organised and my rating below is based on my current experience.

I find my own manager supportive and approachable but can lack in understanding of task and demands of this particular role. HR team are approachable but my experience I have found their systems can be lengthy and delay issues which have created unnecessary additional work and affects on the service. There is a good support network of peers on this level to access and often support when required.

Tutor is approachable and accessible, though I have not needed to contact her very often as I am early in the programme. The tutor has been clear she is there to support and give guidance with any problems. I am enjoying the course so far and feel a good start though finding time in my job is a challenge.

I am early in the process but so far some of the tools have been very helpful in understanding myself and learning styles. I fully intend to use some of the tools within my working environment to understand the team and how to work together to progress in the future.

Currently due to the pandemic there are no extra curricular activities to be involved with. However the organisation does offer additional support on their internal network for well being and social interaction. My own hobbies include knitting, crochet, embroidery, reading, cycling (having just bought an ebike) and having contact with friends and family within the permitted Government guidelines.

Yes

My experience so far has been good - the tutor is helpful and approachable, the course itself seems well organised and very clearly set out. While early days I believe the course will be tailored to my particular role and seems adaptable. I would recommend this course to colleagues and friends.

First of all I would say do it! Don't be afraid to ask questions about what the course entails and how it will suit your learning needs. Discuss with your manager the need for you to have some time out to undertake the learning required and make sure this is quiet time for yourself when you aren't trying to multi task.