Our focus is on you
Welcome to our end of year special edition. Our focus is on you, our fabulous workforce who make Compass what it is. Consisting of articles that demonstrate the value you hold in helping and supporting colleagues, the quality and number of our CEO award nominations, your festive team celebrations and an enormous array of heartfelt and heart-warming messages of gratitude to each other.
People’s generosity and kindness shines through time and time again, re-enforcing the value that we hold dear in ‘valuing every individual’. It’s clear that throughout 2023, individual members of staff have been really going the extra mile. It’s uplifting to see how much fun teams are having together; finding creative ways to mark team achievements and to celebrate the end of another busy year.
Thank you
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your amazing contributions over the last 12 months. Compass is about all of us, working together to create something that is truly special and makes a difference to the lives of children, young people and families who need our support.
However you choose to spend your time over the festive period, I hope you take some well deserved time for yourself. You absolutely deserve it. Wishing you a very happy and relaxing Christmas.
Rachel Bundock
Digital Solutions agreed for Compass
Compass provides new information centre for choosing and using digital tools
We’re launching a new Digital Solutions Framework which includes a list of approved digital tools and platforms, available to services and departments.
The launch follows work by Compass’s Digital Delivery Group which has been researching and analysing the effectiveness of various digital platforms.
The Digital Solution Framework sets out a range of online tools and platforms which have been approved by the Digital Delivery Group for use by Compass services in order to enhance and augment the way in which our services provide support and interventions to Children, Young People and Families.
Lisa Gale, Assistant Director – Operations, who leads the group said: “The aim is to provide a helpful guide for services and departments to move forward with digital solutions with confidence.”
The framework also provides guidance on how to mobilise, implement and evaluate solutions within services and the process for piloting new solutions.
We outline:
- Our approach
- An approved menu of options
- Approved tools
- The process
- Digital Delivery Contract Monitoring Checklist
Lisa added: “We don’t expect this work to ever really finish. New digital tools are being developed all the time and are being suggested to us. The work of the DDG will continue as new digital tools come to the fore.”
The four agreed platforms are
The document can be viewed here – G:\Digital Solutions Group
If you become aware of a digital platform which you think the CYPFs we service could benefit from, please speak to your local Assistant Director – Operations.
EDI thematic groups begin in the New Year
The New Year is set to usher in a new era for Compass Equality, Diversity and Inclusion with the first of our thematic groups launching in January.
Following the decision to develop the EDI thematic groups of Race & Culture, SEND, LGBTQ+, Disability and Gender, a plan has been agreed to get them started.
Kim Jones, People Director, said: “The first thematic groups to launch will be Race/Culture on 25th January, then SEND on 7th February and LGBTQ+ on the 21st February. We’d like to thank all those managers who’ve held team meetings to discuss the groups so far and who’ve been able to put forward names of those interested in taking part. Deadlines for nominations to be sent to Sue King is 20th December. “
Writing to all managers, Jane Wright, Assistant Director Operations, explained the groups would launch in two phases:
| Quarter 4, 2023/24 | Race & Culture, SEND LGBTQ+, |
| Quarter 1, 2024/25 | Gender Physical Disability |
| All the meetings will be held in Microsoft TEAMS from 10am – 12pm and the first, Race/Culture will be on 25th January. | |||||
| Thematic Group | Q4 Meeting 2022/23 | Q1 Meeting 2024/25 | Q2 Meeting 2024/25 | Q3 Meeting 2024/25 | Q4 Meeting 2024/25 |
| Race/Culture | 25/01/24* | 10/04/24 | 11/07/23 | 16/10/24 | TBC |
| SEND | 07/02/24 | 29/04/24 | 24/07/23 | 31/10/24 | TBC |
| LGBTQ+ | 21/02/24 | 08/05/24 | 08/08/23 | 13/11/24 | TBC |
| Disability | No meeting | TBC** | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Gender | No meeting | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
The thematic groups will each have representatives from across the organisation, both local and central services.
Managers have been asked to discuss the groups in their teams and agree who they will nominate for each of the groups. They’ll be made up of:
- Nominated Chairperson (rolling reviewed annually). The Chair will act as representative at EDI steering group meetings.
- Representation from at least 2 members from each of the directorates with a special interest, expert by experience or themed specialist lead.
Each of the groups will be supported administratively by Sue King.
EDI Thematic Groups’ Terms of Reference
- Keeping up to date on latest developments and changes in legislation, policy, and best practice.
- Developing strategies and initiatives to promote inclusivity, awareness, and equitable opportunities specific to theme.
- Disseminating best practice and new initiatives across the organisation.
- Creating, updating, and sharing central resources for their area of expertise.
- Increasing awareness and knowledge as part of Compass’ EDI awareness calendar including micro training events such as ‘lunch and learn’ or ‘TED Talks’.
- Identifying barriers and challenges faced by individuals (stakeholders and staff)
Who will be our new CEO Values Champions?
A total of 28 nominations for this year’s CEO Values Champions Awards have been received from managers across Compass.
It is the biggest entry for the awards since they began in 2021.
The Senior Leadership Team are now considering the list. Compass CEO Rachel Bundock will get the deciding vote on the winners. And Rachel will present our values champions with their awards in January.
Last year, winners of the Values Champions awards travelled to a city centre restaurant in Sheffield to receive their trophies from Rachel. Also present, were Compass Chair Claire Wesley and People Director, Kim Jones.
Managers were asked to nominate a team member they believe exemplifies one of our four values of Integrity, Valuing Each Other, Being Solution Focused and having a Consistent and Reliable Approach.
Rachel said: “We’re delighted with the number of people who’ve been nominated – and the quality of the entries is really fantastic. It is going to be such a difficult job to choose because everyone is so deserving – a testament to the incredible talent we have here at Compass.”
And she added: “It has been a real joy to read how people have brought our values to life in ways that makes such a difference to the people they engage with every day.”
Service news
Staff speak about the Compass value that means most to them- watch the videos
Four Compass staff members have been speaking about the organisational Value that means the most […] Continue reading
Kirsty creates an anti-bullying video to ensure messages reach a wide school audience
Compass’s Mental Health Support Team in Barnsley has developed a new interactive video to ensure […] Continue reading
Staff develop new ways to connect with children and young people
Staff at Compass Bloom Mental Health Support Teams were given protected time to develop new […] Continue reading
Compass Phoenix wellbeing warriors in North Yorkshire
Staff at Compass Phoenix, in North Yorkshire, attended a Healthy Schools Event at East Barnby […] Continue reading
Our teams celebrate the Christmas season together
Safe East feast
Dedicated staff at our Safe East service went to an old established Punjabi restaurant in the East End of London for their festive meal.
Vicky Jones, Service manager, said: “The whole team attended and enjoyed the unique spices of authentic Punjabi food.
“It’s important that we get together as a team and have a chance to enjoy time together to promote team wellbeing and reflect on the year that has been. The importance of having an inclusive venue and time to meet was greatly appreciated by the team.”
Vicky said valuing “each and every person, ensuring we are an inclusive team is a really important value of Compass and for the service”.
And she added: “It was wonderful to spend time together as a team and enjoy some down time, The team work really hard and it’s important to have time together.”
Compass GO celebrates in style!
Shaun Walton, Supervising Practitioner, writes: Compass GO got together for our annual team day consisting of Christmas themed quizzes and games. This was organised by Patrick Campbell and carried out with help from his assistant for the day Laura Lockett!.
The day went well with lots of laughter and fun and the best secret Santa ever!. The following night we then had our Christmas night at the Oaklands Hotel and this was full of good food, even more laughter and lots of Christmas spirit!
Christmas jumpers!
Anne Haines, Service Manager, said: “We decided to upcycle and recycle old jumpers, considered clothes swaps and buying from charity shops.
“This was a fantastic way to promote our eco-friendly practices, encourage creativity and a sense of community amongst our team. Everyone looked fantastic!”
Compliments of the season from Connect for Health
Our school nurses’ service in Warwickshire has been involved in a series of Christmastime team building events – raising money and providing gifts for distribution for local and national children’s charities.
“We recently had our Christmas meal and have a bring and share food day in the office this week. We’ve got a festive afternoon planned with lots of activities and Secret Santa too!
“We’re continually working on producing an empathetic and supportive environment and culture for the staff and service.”
Grateful for the help and support you’ve received from a colleague? Tell us about it…
Just Say Thanks…
Thankyou to Clare Hitchen & Sue Cody for being so lovely and patient with me throughout the handover to help the transition into my new role. – Emma Preston, Senior Administrator, Central Services.
A huge thank you to Compass Go… team leaders; Vicky, Hannah, Jamee and Leanne, for all that they do to support our team and the way in which they come together to ensure the team runs well and each individual is supported in the best way possible, very thankful!’ – Laura Lockett, Service Manager,
Compass GO…
I would like to say a big thank you to Lily Cooper at NEL Compass Go.. for her helping me with my parent/carer, staff and pupil survey results. She made collecting the results so easy. – Niki Sullivan, Supervising Practitioner, Compass GO…
I would like to say a huge thank you to Hayley Spies (Supervising Practitioner – Birmingham & Derby). She has been so generous with her knowledge and time in setting up the clinical aspect of the Birmingham MHSTs and bringing her knowledge across from Derby Changing lives.
We are a brand new team so all new to Compass apart from Hayley so she is our ‘go to gal’ when it comes to do with most things. Thank you Hayley! – Rachel Haynes, Clinical Operations Manager, Compass Birmingham MHST.
I would like to add a thank you to Sammie Ryan-Fenton, for on many occasions helped me through case management process and EMIS. – Gelareh Lak, Supervising Practitioner, Compass Bloom.
We would like to say a big thank you to everyone in Connect for Health. We are so proud of the work you are doing each and every day, whether that is answering the phone, weighing children, working on public health messages, delivering face to face or virtual interventions, networking with partner agencies or protecting our most vulnerable CYP. You do a fantastic job and are an absolute credit to the service. You are extremely hard working and you keep on delivering even when the going gets tough. Thank you – Karen and the C4H leadership team – Karen Cornick, Service Manager, C4H.
I would like to say a huge, huge thank you to the staff in the Noel Baker & Bemrose Locality Team for your continued hard work and dedication to not only supporting the children, young people, families & schools that we work with, but also for your ongoing support to one another, especially as many members of our team approach the end of their University studies. We are nearing the end of an incredibly busy, yet very successful year and you should all be so proud of everything you have achieved! Thank you for everything you do, but more importantly, thank you for being you! Michelle x – Michelle Allen, Team Leader, Changing Lives MHST
We just want to say a big thankyou to Claire Harper, Terri Yates, Jess Beaumont and Summer Vallender for being such wonderful & valued members of our team in Stratford. We wish you all loads of luck in your new adventures and we are going to miss you all so much. Lots of love from Vicky, Kate, Laura, Ruth, Hannah & Molly xx – Vicky Robson, School Nursing Healthcare Support Worker, C4H
I’d like say a huge thank you to Rachel, Olakunle, Dan, Ian and Sue for your very warm welcome to Compass on my first day. It made me feel immediately ‘at home’. I look forward to working with you all and leading the Data Team to support colleagues across the organisation. – Johanne Parker, Head of Data Insights & Intelligence, Central Services
Please can you express particular thankyou to Chantelle Ross Service Manager for the tremendous hard work she has managed not just throughout the year but particularly now with the implementation of Wave 10- she has kept everything going so smoothly and is a pleasure to work with. – Sue Berry, Assistant Director, Operations
To Rachael C, I can’t thank you enough for all of your support this year. Not only have you been a wonderful workmate but an amazing friend too. The topics we can get through in one conversation are truly impressive! You are such an incredible worker and I am so glad we get to keep you. Thank you for being your wonderful self. Pip
To all of the Compass Phoenix Team I want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas. There is no team like ours, what we have is truly special and I am so humbled to be a part of it. You all work so hard and give so much, this Christmas I hope you can all take time for yourselves because you deserve it. Pip. – Pip Nix, Training & Consultation, Compass Phoenix
To the Compass Phoenix Team,
We would like to thank you all for your commitment, hard work and dedication in what has once again been a been a very busy year. There have been many highlights and challenges to overcome. We have streamlined processes and introduced new pathways of care which has resulted in a massive reduction of our waiting list. We started 13 group workshops in March and won the Lumi Nova award for onboarding the most clients in one month when we launched the platform in May. We have launched a new training package and Phoenix Features. We introduced daily case discussions and are now part of the daily MATT meetings which is true partnership working resulting in improved outcomes for children and young people getting the right support from the most appropriate service.
We have welcomed new colleagues and as a team we have faced some highs and lows but you always support and look after one another.
We really appreciate you all. We hope you have a restful Christmas connecting with family and friends and wish you the best for 2024. Zoe, Rachael & Lotty – Rachael Askew, Team Leader, Compass Phoenix
Thank you and good luck to my colleagues in the Stratford Connect for Health Team- Claire Harper, Terri Yates, Summer Vallender and Jessica Beaumont. It has been a pleasure to work with you all over the last few years you have all been so supportive and made a lovely team. I wish you all good luck for your future careers, you will be fab! – Hannah Baker, Family Brief Intervention Worker, C4H
To my fellow trainees at Compass Bloom, Alana, Becky, Deb and Salma. What a year we have had! I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to be on this year’s journey with me. Your support, advice, jokes and all-round amazingness have kept me going. I have definitely made four new best friends and you mean the world to me. Lots of Love No5 (Carolyn)
To my lovely supervisor Adele, thank you for your unconditional support, helping me develop as a practitioner and for always having the tissues ready, from Carolyn. – Carolyn Riley, TEMHP Compass Bloom
I would like to say a huge thankyou to all my Bemrose and Noel Baker colleagues for all your support over this past year during our studies. I have never been a part of such a supportive work environment!
Special thanks to Christina and Michelle for helping with getting things over the line and for guiding me through my first safeguarding incidents.
Thanks to Kim, Sam and Anisah for being on the end of WhatsApp for my endless questions, couldn’t have done it without you (fingers crossed for that pass).
Yasmin, Ranjit and Lauren thanks for sharing your expertise within Clinical Skills (and Ranjit I would like a 1:1 tapping session please!).
Looking forward to starting the new year qualified and helping as many children as possible in 2024!
Merry Christmas everyone! Sophie x – Sophie Davis, TEMHP, Compass Changing Lives MHST
Compass SHINE – Thank you to Deborah and the team for all their hard work over the past 12 months. Since going live in December 2022, the service has faced a number of challenges that go with setting up a brand new service. The team have pulled together amazingly well and I am proud of what the service has achieved to date. A massive well done to the team and thank you for your continued hard work!
Compass CYPDAS – What a year this has been for Warwickshire CYPDAS! A year of development, progression and success resulting in a truly holistic service for children and young people across the County. The reach, accessibility and outcomes of the service have not only been recognised internally, but by commissioners and wider partners. The retention of our PCC contract towards the end of 2023 has capped off a truly fantastic year for the service. A big thank you to Stu and the Team.
Compass Elevation – Harrow has transformed this year, with the 21 Building abuzz with activity and wonderful examples of partnership working. Stu and Rachel have done a fabulous job leading the team, who are now fully staffed and looking to develop further in 2024. The resilience and hard work of the team culminated in a fantastic brand re-launch towards the end of the year where it was amazing to hear such complimentary feedback from commissioners and key partners. Well done, I am truly excited for what 2024 will bring for Elevation!
Compass Safe East – A huge well done to our Tower Hamlets service this year led by Vicky and Natalie, our new leadership dream team. The team have had significant staffing changes this year but have come together to form a wonderfully inclusive service which is truly valued by its partners and stakeholders. A big shout out to Di and David too for the outstanding sexual health service provided to young people within the Borough. A big year ahead for the service which I know we will tackle head on. Here’s to a successful 2024!
To all the staff across Risky Behaviours, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. – Rich Thomas, Senior Operations Manager
Thank you to everyone at Compass GO for welcoming me to the team in September as a TEMHP. Thank you especially for the kindness and support over the past couple of months when I experienced a sudden bereavement. I am so grateful to be part of the team and look forward to working with and learning from you all in my training year and beyond. – Lucy McLachlan, TEMHP, Compass GO…
We would like to say thank you to Hayley Snee, EWP – Compass Phoenix, for her professionalism and commitment. On several occassions lately Hayley has had to manage complex assessments (particularly ion a Friday) that have required additional input and onward referrals requiring Hayley to work late to complete. She has completed these tasks without query or complaint and we just wanted to thank her for going the extra mile! Zoe, Lotty and Rachael. – Zoe Davis, Service Manager, Compass Phoenix
A massive thank you to the Ilkeston team – you are all incredibly hardworking and supportive of each other. It has been lovely watching everyone’s confidence grow, especially in delivering Whole School Approach. We have received such amazing feedback from schools around the groups we deliver and pupils now recognise us at events. I am looking forward to seeing what the new year brings!
Also a massive thank you to Zoe Heathcote. It has been a pleasure supervising you this year and seeing your confidence grow 😊 – Molly Lewin-Runacres, Supervising Practitioner, Compass Changing Lives MHST
We would like to say a huge thank you to our Canva Queen (Emma) for all you support with Canva and social media. Your fabulous designing talent and support has been very much appreciated. You really have shown you are a supportive team member and are always putting others ahead of yourself. Thank you so much – Marie & Kirstie
Sending a big thank you to our Family Practitioner (Donna) who has very kindly reached out in the Wakefield Community to enable us to have craft/stationary donated into our Service. Donna is like a local celebrity in Wakefield, and it is clear to see that everyone who meets Donna thinks very highly of her. We feel very lucky to have Donna in our team. – Marie & Kirstie – Kirstie Hanson, Senior Administrator, Compass Wakefield
Thank you to my amazing Bolsover and Chesterfield teams for always working so hard and being so dedicated to the young people and families we support. You are all amazing and your efforts are always appreciated 😊
I would like to say a huge thank you to Lucy Dormer for always going above and beyond for the Bolsover team. Your hard work and dedication has kept the team going through some challenging times and you always remain professional and solution focused no matter what. – Lyndsey Evans, Team Leader, Compass Changing Lives MHST
To the whole Birmingham MHST Team. Every person within the team are such wonderful people, since starting everyone has been so supportive of each other, respecting each other differences and diversity, being interested in each other and wanting to gel to ensure we become a strong team to enable us to be the best practitioners that we can.
I personally feel extremely lucky to be a part of such an amazing work force and part of such an incredible team. – Leanne Bailey, Trainee EMHP, Compass Birmingham
To Kate, A big thank you to all the great work you have done in the Bakewell. You will be greatly missed but wish you all the best on your new adventure in Glossop. Smita, Nicola, Ailis, Jo, Preanka & Hannah – Jo Rice, Trainee EMHP, Compass Changing Lives MHST
New 2024 Awareness Calendar published.
Compass head office staff have produced a new Awareness Calendar for use in services.
The calendar has more entries than ever. Thank you for your input and suggestions.
U:\Staff Updates\Awareness Calendar
Take Good Care – Your Health and Wellbeing with Danielle Grant
Lighting up winter
There has been a sudden and dramatic shift this month.
The darkness outside is juxtaposed to the bright lights inside. Our body starts to slow down and prepare for sleep when the light dims (literally it senses it). Then ‘BAM’ on go the lights and TV screens blasting our eyeballs with light it was not expecting. Now we don’t know if we are tired, or waking up.
The colourful salads and summer vegetables have been replaced with warming and hearty comfort dishes on our tables, coupled with far less walking and exercise outside. (Who wants to walk in the wind, rain and darkness?!)
Our bright healthy bodies and minds have become snuggly-hibernation craving bodies, with a mind battling ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’. And the cruel irony is that the more we give in to it, the worse it becomes.
It is not coincidence that this is the time that all the coughs, colds and sore throats get us. (I am not saying the other ‘C’ word; that was captured in the afore mentioned symptoms!)
We are tired, our internal temperature regulation systems are exhausted, we may be lacking vitamins (Like vitamin D from the sun) which is affecting our immunity, and now we feel lethargic because we have eaten heavy food which is causing insulin spikes and crashes daily.
Not to come with a problem; rather a solution here are some tips with how to manage this bleak picture I have just painted:
- Keep the thermostat at a lower temperature. You can wear jumpers inside if you get cold; it isn’t essential to wear shorts and T shirt in your home. Try and limit the extreme contrast in temperature.
- Use less light in the evening, or lower the ‘lumens’ with bulbs or lamps to allow the body to ease into the evening. As always, avoid Blue light before bedtime.
- Get outside as much as possible during the day, get some natural light and fresh air.
- Keep doing the exercise you were doing before, albeit adapt it slightly. But don’t stop. If you ran before: take a friend, wear a light or reflective jacket and gloves. Its actually quite pleasant doing runs in the dark (no one can see the sweaty mess 😊)
- Keep your plates colourful and keep the vitamins coming.
- Hot chocolate is a lovely winter treat, but a daily cup with ginger spiced syrup and marshmallows will not do you, your teeth or you insulin levels any favours.
- Warm water with a chunk of ginger and slice of lemon (or a similar flavoured Teabag) is a warming choice for evening drink when your immunity needs a boost.
- Sleep. Early nights, for all. Your body wants it, dare I say needs it.
Winter is magical and can be beautiful, so let’s wrap up and enjoy the season; fit, happy and healthy.
Senior Leadership Team Update
SLT held its away day with the Board to review Compass’ strategic plan and its areas of focus over the next 3 years. It was an “in person” meeting held in York enabling senior colleagues to come together to reflect, plan and prioritise.
It was also a chance to celebrate the collective achievements across Compass over the last 12 months and review our progress against the business plan objectives and five key strategic aims; evidenced effectiveness, becoming an employer of choice, affordable delivery, appropriate quality & governance, and efficient future growth.
Over the last few months in preparation for the away day, SLT had reviewed both the internal and external environments to assess how Compass was faring in the care system and policy context and our position in the market. We also considered our significant growth, the challenges that come with that, and the changes made so far to the infrastructure to help services and teams deliver to the best of their ability. Whilst there was recognition a lot had been achieved it was felt there still more to develop the organisation.
SLT put forward a series of recommendations which will form the basis of an organisational development plan, based on:
- Central services – bringing in additional posts within operations, people, finance, administration, and business development teams to increase capacity to support services.
- Local services – implementation of career development pathways including the investment of funding and support for staff to access formal training and more advanced opportunities for Continuous Professional Development.
- Systems – investment in system upgrades and integration of systems to improve user application of electronic records and assist senior and local leadership, and teams in making data informed decisions.
- Added value projects – making funding available to services and the wider organisation to deliver value added projects locally and pilot new models or ways of working.
All recommendations were approved by the Board which is a testament to everyone’s achievements and hard work across the whole of Compass and the part people have played in our success. The Board fully recognised the journey we have been on and what we still need to do, to become the employer of choice and build a reputation as a trusted and high quality, innovative provider of public services. Information about the workstreams within the organisational development plan will be communicated over the next few months by the respected leads.
Know your Senior Leadership Team…
| Rachel Bundock | Chief Executive |
| Olakunle Dare | Finance & Corporate Services Director |
| Kim Jones | People Director |
| Jan Smith | Operations Director |
| Lisa Gale | Assistant Director (Operations) |
| Sue Berry | Assistant Director (Operations) |
| Jane Wright | Assistant Director (Operations) |
| Rose Kearns | Assistant Director – Business Development |
| Sue Cody | Quality Assurance Lead |
Safeguarding update, with Jan Smith, Operations Director
Safeguarding and Professional Curiosity
Increasingly we talk about Professional Curiosity as a key skill in safeguarding practice so this months Compass Points safeguarding feature is all about professional curiosity.
Professional Curiosity is the capacity and skill to explore and understand what is happening with an individual or family. It is about understanding one’s professional responsibility and knowing when to act, rather than making assumptions or simply accepting what is presented. Lack of professional curiosity has been cited as a factor in tragic incidents and it is widely acknowledged that professionals may face significant barriers to professionally curious practice, examples of such barriers include:
Disguised Compliance – exists when a family member or carer purposefully gives the appearance of being compliant and cooperative with services to avoid further scrutiny or allay professional concerns.
Rule of Optimism – is when professionals minimise or rationalise new or escalating risks in the belief that things will resolve or those involved are capable or willing to work toward positive outcome despite evidence to the contrary.
Casework Barriers – exist when the complexity or scale of casework impacts on time and decision making, when casework supervision is lacking or poor, when cases are transferred repeatedly or closed too early.
Practitioner Barriers – exist when personal values or experiences result in fixed thinking, preconceived ideas, lack of openness or an inability to learn and reflect.
Normalisation – occurs when ideas or actions are seen as ‘normal’ or acceptable and are not questioned.
Short-term thinking – occurs when a practitioner responds to the most recent or immediate need and risk discretely; not seeing it in the bigger picture of what has gone before or what is influencing the situation.
Professional Deference – becomes a barrier when practitioners with the greatest knowledge and understanding of the situation defer to another opinion by virtue of seniority or professional ‘status’.
Confirmation Bias – occurs when we look for evidence that supports what we already believe and prevents us seeing evidence to the contrary.
Knowing but Not Knowing – having a sense that something is not right but not knowing exactly what, so not acting.
Managing Tension – disagreement, disruption and aggression from families or others can undermine confidence and can distract from what is required.
For practitioners and managers faced with these barriers, some of which may be hard to recognise here are a few areas to consider when developing skills and capacity for professional curiosity.
- Be flexible, open-minded and don’t take everything at face-value.
- Use your communication skills to check facts, enquire further and question openly.
- Be inquisitive about what has gone before – review records, speak to colleagues or other professionals, check history.
- Be precise – record accurately, don’t make assumptions, be factual and complete in your feedback.
- Use case history and explore the wider conditions from the person themselves, their family, teachers, and other professionals.
- Think the unthinkable; believe the unbelievable.
- Pay as much attention to how people look and behave as well as what they say.
- Take responsibility for the safeguarding role you play, however large or small.
- Attend regularly at safeguarding supervision and team meetings to learn from others and to be open to questioning and to hearing the views of others.
- If in doubt, ask – talk to a supervisor, team leader, colleague, or safeguarding lead.
- Use supervision actively to reflect on safeguarding concerns, consider the facts and broaden your perspective.
If you would like to know more about Compass Safeguarding practices or you would like to suggest a focus for the Safeguarding feature in Compass Points which will help your colleagues gain a greater insight into safeguarding practice please get in touch with Jan Smith (DSO) – jan.smith@compass-uk.org
Compass People Update
with Donna Wilson, People Partner
Hello from your People Team! Reflecting back over 2023, it’s been another very busy year and we’ve had lots of changes in that time including a name change for the department to reflect how important our people are to us.
In December 2022 we had 212 people on payroll and this December it will be 343 – that’s 131 new people in a year! We welcomed Derbyshire in January, Wakefield in April, and also said goodbye to Enfield in the same month. Then in September we had a new Birmingham Service.
In January 2024 we will be welcoming new staff into our new MHST’s in both Derbyshire and Birmingham and will grow to over 400 staff – there’s no wonder we’ve all been so busy!
Amongst supporting the rapid growth across Compass, we’ve also had some real change in the team too with Fie leaving us after almost 10 years with Compass and several new people joining the team …we’ve even had a new baby!
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and contributions to our company’s success. This year has been filled with challenges, growth, and achievements and the people team feel privileged to be able to support such a committed, talented and incredible workforce.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a fantastic New Year! Let’s continue to thrive and make 2024 a year to remember.
Contacting your People department
General People Team queries: hr@compass-uk.org
Recruitment and onboarding queries: recruitment@compass-uk.org
Training queries: training@compass-uk.org
You can now get in touch with staff looking after Compass Points via our new email address. It’s compasspoints@compass-uk.org.
Compass Points email address.
You can get in touch with Compass Points via our email address. It’s compasspoints@compass-uk.org.
If you want to say thank you please remember to start the subject line with Just Say Thanks
Tell us your news… Next deadline for Compass Points is Tuesday, 16th January, 2024. Please note that sometimes, we may not publish all stories in the month they are submitted.