So many positives to start the new year
Welcome to the first edition of 2024! I do hope you managed some well-deserved downtime over the holiday period and have been able to come back refreshed and raring to go. We’re straight into an enormous bumper edition with lots to update and celebrate.
Firstly, we announce the incredible winners and those nominated for the CEO values champions awards; it was such a tough task in choosing our winners given how many brilliant applications we received. A huge congratulations to our winners – hugely deserved.
Secondly, we share with you the results of our Compass Your Voice colleague survey. So many positives to take away with a real sense of working to a unified mission, vision and set of values that are truly at the heart of all that we do. There are some key areas for us to develop and improve upon based on your feedback. We are very grateful to everyone taking the time to give their feedback so we can be confident in the areas that we need to focus on.
Finally, a whopper ‘Just Say Thanks’ column which is reflective of what’s important at Compass. The quality of our relationships with each other and the impact that everyday simple interactions can have that makes such a difference to how valued we feel, the effectiveness of our work and the different ways in which we can help each other. Makes for such inspiring reading so thankyou for sharing with us all.
Rachel
Survey reveals a committed, contented workforce
A new Compass survey has revealed that 98% of staff use the organisation’s values in their work every day.
Also, 95% of the over 300 staff say they do their best work for Compass and that they apply its principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at work.
And 94% agree that they understand Compass’s purpose and strategy.
The figures are published in Compass’s Your Voice survey of staff, which was conducted in October, 2023.
In all, 84% of staff completed the survey. Kim Jones, Compass People Director, said: “This figure, in itself, is an incredibly positive indicator of colleague engagement.
“It is fantastic to see that we are getting important elements right as an employer.
“Understanding both our values, purpose and mission is what unites all of us under the Compass family. Regardless of where we work in the country and what service or department we work in, it is clear that we understand what our overall, common purpose is and how we should best deliver that.
Outstanding
“I am delighted by the incredible response rate to the Your Voice survey and the overwhelmingly positive results.”
Other outstanding results included:
- People in my team work well together to get the job done – 92%
- I can see a clear link between my work and Compass’ purpose and strategy – 92%
- My line manager respects people as individuals with different styles, skills and experiences – 91%
- I feel valued and supported by my manager – 89%
- I feel able to approach my line manager when I have a problem and feel confident it will be acted on promptly and fairly – 88%
- I feel encouraged to come up with new and better ways of working – 87%
She said it was “very gratifying to see how many staff understand and use the Compass values and EDI in everyday practice”.
And she continued: “It really allows us to deliver the high level of care and personalisation to children, young people and their families”
Colleagues wanting to do their very best was “testament to the talent and compassionate workforce we have”.
“We won’t stand still – we will work with colleagues to make improvements where they’re needed in our quest to become employer of choice in our sector”.
Kim said: “The Senior Leadership Team would like to say a huge thank you to all colleagues who took time out to complete the survey – it really matters.”
SLT and the Compass Board are now considering an organisational action plan in response to the survey results. This will include looking at the questions most disagreed with.
These are…
- I believe I am compensated fairly for the work I do – 20%
- There are good career development opportunities at Compass – 19%
- I have the tools and resources to do my job effectively – 14%
- I feel that Compass is committed to supporting the wellbeing of its colleagues – 10%
- I think Compass supports a good work-life balance 9%
Kim said that although the overall percentage figures were comparatively low ranging from 9% – 20%, the feedback was “still incredibly important for us to consider.
She explained that the new organisational action plan would focus on areas “we need to work on to improve to achieve our strategic aim of becoming employer of choice in our sector”.
She said: “We already have some actions and focus areas that SLT is working on which will link into the areas for improvement from the staff survey on career development and wellbeing”.
“Some of the areas highlighted are ones which we continually review such as compensation and benefits and where we have made significant uplifts in recent years.”
As well as our organisational action plan in response to the survey, managers will be completing focus groups shortly to review their local results with their teams and devise local action plans.
And Kim promised: “We will provide regular updates on our organisational action plan during the year, which will include feedback from local focus groups as appropriate, until we repeat the Your Voice colleague survey.
Our new CEO Values Champions
Carla Hickman, Emma Turton, Natalie Mason and Ruth Nichols were chosen by CEO Rachel Bundock from a total of 28 nominations this year.
The Values Champions will be invited to a celebration lunch. They will each receive a trophy, a £500 award and an extra day’s holiday.
Our Values
Integrity -Treating others with decency, fairness and being honest in all that we do. Valuing each other -Respecting the needs, skills, diversity and views of each person, irrespective of status. Being solution focused Responding flexibly and adapting quickly to current and emerging needs. Consistent and reliable Always delivering on our commitments.
Being Solution Focused
Winner – Carla Hickman Senior Administrator, Compass Bloom
Read Carla’s nomination
It is hard to write how amazing Carla is in 250 words! She could be nominated for all the Compass Values but if we had to chose one it would be Solution Focused. Carla is very driven and has a unique skills in solving problem. Carla has solved your problem before you are even aware that you have one!
Carla uses her initiative to identify and resolve issues, always bringing ideas to the table. Nothing is too much trouble, she will always help with a problem and seeks to find the cause to prevent it happening again.
Carla is self-taught on Emis, however, she has ensured she understands how the system works including the background systems in order to be able to support the team. When something doesn’t make sense with our reporting, Carla has already set off on a on an investigation to try and work out what we can do to solve it, including adapting training for staff.
Carla identified there was a gap in the marketing of the service. She stepped in to this and implemented a marketing and social media strategy to increase awareness of the service. Carla has also done the same with wellbeing in the office, creating initiatives such as the wellbeing basket.
Carla goes out of her way to help everyone she comes in contact with, whether it is distressed members of the public she sees outside the office, schools, parents, team members and SLT and we think every team needs a Carla!
Valuing Each individual
Winner – Natalie Mason, Team Leader, Safe East.
Read Natalie’s nomination
Natalie has progressed within the service this year and been successfully promoted to Team Leader. Well done Natalie!
Natalie consistently values every person she comes into contact with. For example, when she was a health and wellbeing worker she was vocal to ensuring young people’s rights were well advocated for in professional meetings, ensuring adjustments were made for her clients including accessibility needs.
Natalie also supported a cohort of young people who attended an alternative provision who were challenging to engage. However Natalie made it look easy! She adapted her sessions to be client led, valuing the young people’s culture and background, ensuring these were respected.
As a H&W worker Natalie also completed local Violence against woman and girls (VAWG) training, championing VAWG locally and educating the team and other professionals to raise awareness of the issues facing young woman in our community.
Natalie has also consistently championed the You’re Welcome programme identifying gaps in service where diversity can be better celebrated and considered.
More recently Natalie has since transferred her values to her new role. Ensuring she understands and values her team, making sure they feel heard. Creating space for them to reflect and come up with solutions. Natalie also sits on a number of steering groups including the DEI group.
Natalie brings to life discussions about inclusion to all platforms, from SLT meetings to team meetings and with partners. Natalie has been a strong role model in both her roles at Compass.
Integrity
Winner – Emma Turton, Assistant EMHP, Compass Be
Read Emma’s nomination
Emma has continued to develop the role of AEMHP to meet the needs of CYP and schools in Barnsley. Emma has created several workshops to build emotional intelligence in CYP which aim to normalise mental health difficulties and provide CYP with the confidence and language to express their feelings, particularly during times when they are feeling anxious and low in mood. Feedback on ALL workshops has been exceptional, however, Emma is not complacent and continues to develop and tweak sessions to ensure they are fully inclusive and continue to meet local need.
Emma’s commitment to ongoing development highlights her motivation, dedication and passion for making a difference to CYP mental health and wellbeing. In going the extra mile, continuously refining, and evolving the content Emma ensures our service offer remains ahead of need. Her ability to reflect on setbacks and use these as an opportunity for learning and development is commendable and her proactive approach, enthusiasm and consistency serves as an inspiration to those around her. Following the success of Emma’s workshops she has now created a short story for children with ASD – “The sun can’t shine everyday”. Emma produced this in her own time and is hoping to have copies in all Barnsley primary schools in the future.
Emma consistently finds creative ways to help children explore SEMH issues and remove any barriers individual children may have in accessing this learning. Emma continues to surprise and excite the Compass Be management team with her creative ideas for future service development. Over the last 6 months Emma has worked in partnership with KT to deliver the Girls on Board programme. This is an evidence-based session aiming to empower young girls to resolve conflict in their own relationships. Emma and Kirsty have worked tirelessly to refine sessions to ensure they are pitched appropriately to girls in year 5 and have delivered whole-year group sessions in a number of primary schools. Again, feedback has been exceptional and continues to drive service development. Emma and Kirsty have also supported colleagues in Wakefield to create a similar pilot programme to roll out in January 2024.
Consistent and Reliable Approach
Ruth Nichols, School Nursing Health Support Worker, C4H
Read Ruth’s nomination
Ruth’s unstinting “consistent and reliable approach” to all aspects of her working life means that she not only excels at her job role, performing to a high standard, she continually looks to improve her own practice and service delivery.
Ruth has a wonderful way with the young people she works with, putting them at ease. She has demonstrated her ability to look for new challenges and stretch herself by creating bespoke resources such as a “period pack”, containing a variety of feminine products and a top tips handout, to help young girls better understand how to manage their periods.
Ruth can always be relied upon to ensure that all her colleagues are fully fuelled with cups of tea and biscuits, frequently filling the kettle and passing round the biscuits. She is a consistently positive member of the team who lifts the mood in the office, with her cheery outlook, “can do” attitude and funny quips.
I have been so impressed with Ruth’s determination to succeed in her personal objective, she has worked consistently at this throughout the year. The data highlights her success and her determination to deliver on her commitment to raise the awareness of our teen text messaging service.
Ruth is a wonderful example of a motivated and committed colleague, always keen to help and support her colleagues, at the same time, ensuring her job is done to a high standard. As a team, we feel proud and privileged to work with Ruth.
Also nominated…
Being Solution Focused
- Andrea Leach, C4H
- Zowie Paton, CompassGo
- Kirsty Taylor, Compass BE
- Rachael Cawte, Compass Phoenix
- Emma Preston, Central Services
- Clare Hitchen, People Team
Integrity
- Clare Daniell, C4H
- Adele Normington, Compass Bloom
- Patrick Campbell, Compass Go JEFF Team
- Rachael Askew, Compass Phoenix
- Hannah Firth, Compass Phoenix
Consistent & Reliable Approach
- Hannah Bishop, Compass Go
- Hayley Spires, Birmingham MHST
- Sue Inglis, Compass Bloom
- Vicky Triffit, Compass Go
- Nicole Friday, Safe East
- Jade Sievewright, Compass Be
- Carloline Cowie, Compass Phoenix
Valuing Each Individual
- Shaun Walton, Compass Go
- Samantha Ryan Fenton, Compass Bloom
- Chimene Ellis, Compass Be
- Sarah Brewster, Compass Phoenix
- Lucy Dormer, Birmingham MHST
- Smita Sandhu, Birmingham MHST
How to sign into your computer as tech improvements are rolled out.
Compass is changing to a new and more secure way of signing in to our computers. And the computer system itself is being changed too.
This will be done in phases, starting from next week.
| Week 1 | 5 – 9 Feb 2024 | Central Services (HR, Finance, Admin, Data) |
| Week 2 | 12 – 16 Feb 2024 | School Nursing |
| Week 3 | 19 – 23 Feb 2024 | Risky Behaviours |
| Week 4 | 26 Feb – 01 Mar 2024 | EMHWB (Emotional and Mental Health and Wellbeing) |
| Week 5 | 04 – 08 Mar 2024 | MHSTs (Mental Health Support Teams) |
Olakunle Dare, Finance and Corporate Services Director, writes
Compass is forging ahead with tech innovations that will significantly enhance the security and performance of our computers.
We’re moving to a new cloud-based system called Azure – it should improve your experience while logged in to your computer. Azure reinforces our commitment to security and efficiency.
We’re also updating the way we log in to our computers.
We believe these changes will not only simplify your daily tasks but also contribute to a more modern and streamlined work environment.
Advantages of the new measures
- Enhanced Security Measures: Our primary focus is to ensure the highest level of security for all our systems and data. Azure and the new Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) system to log on will safeguard your information, providing you with peace of mind while working with sensitive data.
- One log in: Applications will open seamlessly with no separate laptop and desktop log ins. Just one quick and efficient entry into your work environment.
- Fewer Password Changes with MFA: The introduction of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will result in less frequent password changes. MFA adds an extra layer of security while minimizing the inconvenience of constant password updates.
- Better Performance with Azure Virtual Desktop: Experience improved performance and efficiency with the integration of Azure Virtual Desktop. This upgrade will contribute to faster and more reliable desktop experiences, allowing you to accomplish your tasks with greater speed and accuracy.
- Moving forward with Microsoft Products: Using Microsoft products improves workflows and ensures compatibility across various tasks. For instance, we’re transitioning away from Skype for Business and embracing the robust collaboration features of Microsoft Teams, including Teams Voice.
We are confident that these updates will contribute to a more positive and productive work experience for all of you. As always, we value your feedback, so feel free to share any thoughts or questions you may have.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Compass. Here’s to a more secure, efficient, and enjoyable work environment!
To ensure you can sign in to your computer when the time comes, please see our documents Get Ready for MFA and a Q and A about the changes here. U:\2024 Tech Updates
Insightful Johanne believes the right data guides us to provide targeted support
Compass has made a pivotal, senior appointment to lead a new drive towards gathering the right data to help strengthen and better target our work for children, young people and families.
Johanne Parker, who has more than thirty years’ experience, has joined in the new post of Head of Data Insights and Intelligence.
She said: “Data may sound like a dry subject, but ultimately it gives us the greatest insight into what’s needed and how we can help.
“The right data, routinely available and frequently refreshed, can help improve services. Through analysing statistics and looking for new ways of gaining information and intelligence, we can support colleagues to improve existing services and develop new services, based on evidence-based insight and intelligence.”
Johanne began in her role, which is brand new for the organisation, at the start of December. She is leading the Data Insights & Intelligence (DII) service within the organisation, with colleagues previously in the data team, our ICT Service and System providers.
The Service supports all operational and central services at Compass by supporting provision of all our management information systems, reporting on performance to Compass management and our commissioners, and uploading our data into National portals on a regular basis.
Johanne said: “I have worked in research and with data, information, systems and data tools for over 30 years and am more excited by it than ever before.
Johanne, whose qualifications include a PhD in Social Sciences, said: “I am happy to be seen as a geek but I am also a creative, highly organised, people person and like nothing more than having a good old chat about folks’ data needs and finding the best way to meet those needs.”
“I am passionate about my work and helping others to feel more comfortable and confident with data and information because I believe that data and information can when used well help change and improve lives as well as the the world around us.”
“Great, unique and remarkable things can be done with data if it is high quality, stored securely, joined or split and analysed effectively and shared with the right people, at the right time in the most engaging and appropriate way.
Johanne explained that part of her remit was to develop a Data Strategy for Compass.
“This will establish our vision for data storage, management, use and analysis at Compass. “It will bring together in one space our existing and new data related aims and objectives, legal requirements and best practice guidance to support and enable all colleagues to identify how we will achieve best data practice to help further develop Compass services to children, young people and families.”
The DII service will:
- Explore options for new and maintain all existing CIPHR, Datix, EMIS, IAPTUS, Sage and Theseus systems and as appropriate bring in new Management Information Systems (MIS) and data tools for Compass and administer access to them to support safe, secure and appropriate data storage.
- Manage our relationships and support colleagues to liaise with MIS providers ensuring we maximise our returns from investment in a number of high tech solutions that when used appropriately can help us all be more effective and efficient
- Support users of MIS across Compass to use our systems and data tools to best effect to meet service needs and drive improvement centrally and across operational services
- Develop and maintain new – highly accessible and engaging, predominantly visual – data products that use new technological solutions to share, analyse and interpret information from all existing MIS at Compass
- Facilitate information security, information governance and data protection across Compass
- Make mandatory information submissions to national bodies including NHS England on behalf of our Services
- Develop and maintain bespoke insight and intelligence reports from our existing MIS and external information sources
The ‘Data Insights & Intelligence’ Service takes a strategic approach to developing and implementing data systems.
Johanne said it will do this by…
- Treating our colleagues and our clients with decency, fairness and being honest in all we do.
“We don’t work with abstract numbers and words, we work with highly sensitive information about the people we serve and their health and wellbeing and are mindful and respectful of that in all we do.
- Working as part of the team that is Compass.
“We see ourselves as ‘driving and maintaining the data bus’ for Compass and to bring our colleagues with us in all we do. We do that by understanding colleagues’ needs and views and supporting them to engage with our work in a way that works for them regardless of who they are and where they sit in the Compass structure.”
- Being flexible and responsive to changing data needs and seizing every opportunity we can to help make a difference with data, maximising our use of systems and software to share data insights and intelligence with everyone at Compass.
- Being planful and prioritising our workload according to importance, urgency and level of risk. “We engage and negotiate with colleagues to help ensure we support and assist them at the right time and in the right and most accessible way.”
Rachel tells us about the Participation Project
Rachel Bundock writes
One of the actions within Compass’ Business Plan 23/25 is to develop a cohesive organisational participation framework and strategy. Being children and young people led is really at the heart of what we do and how we do things at Compass and having their voice at the centre of decision making and action is paramount. We have set up a small but neatly formed steering group that will oversee the project over the next 12-18 months. As part of scoping the project the group has considered:
- Why it is important
- What outcomes we are trying to achieve
- What national guidance or best practice is out there
- What experiences we can draw from within Compass
The group is planning on meeting regularly during the first few months and will involve wider Compass colleagues as the project develops. Our first piece of work is to review national guidance and best practice to help shape our thinking as to what is the most appropriate for Compass to use. You can find more information about the project saved in U:\Participation Working Group
Participation steering group members
- Rachel Bundock, CEO (Chair)
- Sarah Allen, Engagement & Participation Worker, North East Lincs Compass Go!
- Natalie Mason, Team Leader, Tower Hamlets Safe East
- Chantelle Ross, Service Manager, Changing Lives, Derby/shire MHST
- Sue Cody, Quality Assurance Lead
- Jane Wright, Assistant Director Operations
- Jan Smith, Operations Director
First EDI thematic group launches
Ten members of staff from around Compass took part in the first of our EDI thematic groups.
The Race and Culture thematic group meeting, which was held over Teams, was chaired by Sue Cody, our Quality Assurance Lead.
Sue said: “It was a great opportunity for staff from a variety of services to come together to start planning initiatives to promote inclusivity, awareness, and equitable opportunities.
“It was evident that staff who attended have such an amazing breadth of experience and knowledge that will develop and steer the group to benefit the organisation.”
Natalie Mason Team Leader from our Safe East in Tower Hamlets was nominated as Chair for this group.
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)
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Our teams celebrated the Christmas season together
Grateful for the help and support you’ve received from a colleague? Tell us about it…
Just Say Thanks…
Thanks, Rachel and congrats on your new role!
I would like to thank Rachael Cawte for all her hard work, enthusiasm and dedication in her role of Training & Consultation Worker. Since joining us in January 2023 for maternity cover, Rachael has thrown herself into the role and taken on new challenges. Rachael has become and integral part of the team and within a few short weeks of joining us it felt like she had been with us so much longer – she just fitted in so well.
I am delighted that Rachael will be staying in the team, taking on her new role as Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner. I have confidence that she is going to embrace this new challenge and do a great job. Good luck and thank you so much for all that you have done, I really appreciate you. I will miss being you line manager but my loss is Lotty’s gain! – Rachael Askew, Team Leader – Compass Phoenix
Right back at you, Phoenix!
Thank you to the whole Phoenix Team for an amazing first year of working with you! It has been such a learning curve for me, but being with such a warm and welcoming team has made it flash by in what feels like a millisecond. I feel so lucky to work with a team who I look forward to seeing and talking with every day, and I’m so excited to be staying on and joining the DI team.
Thank you so much Rachael Askew for being such a wonderful, supportive line manager. I have had such a brilliant time learning from and with you since joining the Phoenix team. Pip (Nix), thank you so much for being such a wonderful co-worker on the T&C team. I’m going to miss having the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other all the time (although don’t worry, I’ll still be calling in for plenty of advice!) and our catch ups.
Welcome back Alice (Sotirchos)! While I am gutted that I won’t get to work directly with you, I’m still looking forward to seeing you loads. You’re so awesome. – Rachael Cawte, Training & Consultation Worker – Compass Phoenix
Fantastic team
Big shout out to the Specialist Team in Changing Lives. What a fantastic 2023.
Just wanted to say a big thanks for all your hard work in helping shape the team. There has been some amazing work which benefit’s the children, young people and families we work with as well as supporting the wider service in all the great things they do too.
Looking forward to what this year brings especially with the growing team. A big welcome to Jenny (Carpenter) and Donna (Viner), and all our new starters in the wider service, we look forward to working with you.
Well done Ellie (Hayes) on completing the Fearless Triple P training and gaining your accreditation last month. A great achievement – looking forward to 2024 and how this will roll out to support parents/carers accessing the service. Well done to Mel (Johnson) who has completed her Youth Mental Health First Aid course which will support her in all the fabulous participation and engagement work. – Tracey Carey-Meyrick, Specialist Team Leader – Compass Changing Lives MHST
So supportive
I would like to say a big thank you to my Team Leader Jaydien and colleagues in the Kingsmead team, here at Compass Changing Lives, I have only been with Compass Changing Lives and the team for three months, Jaydine, Laura, Katrina, Lisa, and Sam have been very welcoming and supportive, thank you. The team’s passion, knowledge and commitment to the schools, organisations, CYP and families they work with is incredible, I have learnt so much, once again thank you. – Maja Roe, Mental Health Practitioner – Compass Changing Lives MHST.
Proud
A massive well done to everyone in the Changing Lives MHST, we’ve made it to the beginning of our 5th year in operation and our second year with Compass! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some of my existing colleagues better and new colleagues alike this past year and so proud of our joint achievements. Here’s to a great 2024! – Compass Changing Lives Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
Rallying round
Thank you to all of Changing Lives teams for making my transition back to work after maternity leave so comfortable and especially the Chesterfield Team who have been fantastic and rallied round to help with Whole School Approach Activities. – Karen Newton-Skyrme, Supervising EMHP – Compass Changing Lives MHST
Kind
I would like to Thank Abi Dean, my line manager. Since joining Compass she has been very encouraging and supportive. I appreciate her wellbeing check ins and honesty. Your motivation and kindness are a few traits that make you a good leader. – Natalie Prince, Family Practitioner – Compass Shine Coventry
Uplifting
Thank you to Yve Spray in the Birmingham MHST – you are always helping everyone to do everything and you do so in such an uplifting and fun way – spreading joy as you go. Thank you for being you. – Hayley Spies, Team Leader – Compass Birmingham MHST
Enjoyable
Thank you to the Rugby C4H team for being so supportive of me and of each other over the last year. You are a wonderful team and I love working with you. Between you and the Health Promotion team, you make every day enjoyable, I look forward to seeing where this year takes us! – Jenni Cave, Acting Team Leader Central – C4H
Smile
Thankyou to my colleague and friend Kirsty Sanderson at Compass Go… for always making me laugh and being supportive. I have loved working with her over the past few years and her friendship means a lot to me. Kirsty is leaving Compass in a couple of weeks and I am going to miss her so much. She always has a smile on her face and a kind word or a song and she brightens up the office. She will be missed. – Rebecca Holmes, Supervising Practitioner- Resilience Project – Compass Go
Team effort
A huge thank you to everyone in the Compass Changing Lives Team who has helped with the creation of our new welcome packs. It has been a real team effort from supporting the original idea and sorting through all the wonderful input from the children and young people to giving constructive feedback on the final product. We could not have created this without your support. A special thanks to Tracey and Ellie who have shared this journey with me from the beginning. – Mel Johnson, Engagement and Equalities Practitioner – Compass Changing Lives MHS
Thanks, Rose
Danielle and I would like to say a thank you to Rose Kearns, as she is leaving in February, we wanted to say how grateful we are for her support, and leadership within Positive Effect. – William Bentley, Development and Sales Officer – Positive Effect
Thank you to Rose Kearns, Assistant Director of Business Development, and a really great and inspiring person to work for. Good luck in your new post, Rose!- Cliff Edwards, Marketing and Comms.
Dream Team, North Yorks
A massive shout out and thank you to the Dream Team that is the Training & Consultation workers at Phoenix! Rachael C and I facilitated 3 sessions back to back for North Yorkshire Inset day, training around 200 members of staff! Rachael, you smashed it and you are such an amazing facilitator. We couldn’t have done without our personal cheerleader in the background Alice, your moral support meant so much us. We also welcome Clare to our team who is already fitting in so well. It really is such a privilege to be working with such incredible people, please don’t ever forget how much I admire and appreciate you all. – Pip Nix, Training & Consultation – Compass Phoenix
Dedicated
I would like to say thank you for all the now qualified EMHPs for all their hard work and a huge well done for getting through their training year, a special thank you for the newly qualified practitioners, Laura Guest and Ella Smith from the Swanwick team for their continued hard work and dedication to their role. – Rebecca Brown, Supervising Practitioner – Compass Changing Lives MHST
Guided
I wanted to name my Line Manager Abi Dean for a Thank you. Abi is incredible as a manager, and I have never before felt so well supported and guided. I want Abi to know she is doing a fantastic job and to carry on being herself. – Ruchika Charan, Emotional Wellbeing Worker – Compass Shine Coventry
Patience
Please can I thank Siobhan Kierney for her limitless patience and support with IAPTUS. Siobhan has been generous in sharing her time and expertise to support not only me individually but also the entire Birmingham MHST team! Thank you Siobhan! – Rachel Haynes, Clinical Operations Manager – Compass Birmingham MHST
Massive
A massive well done to everyone in the Changing Lives MHST, we’ve made it to the beginning of our 5th year in operation and our second year with Compass! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some of my existing colleagues better and new colleagues alike this past year and so proud of our joint achievements. Here’s to a great 2024! – Siobhan Kearney, Data & Administration Team Leader – Compass Changing Lives MHST
Thanks, Hannah!
A huge thank you to Hannah Bell for absolutely everything she has done for Compass Go… and for Compass as whole in the four years she has given to the organisation. Hannah will be greatly missed and I am sure I am not just expressing this from myself, but from our team and the wider teams that have had Hannah’s support. – Laura Lockett, Service Manager – Compass GO…
Amazing
A huge thankyou to my colleague Clare Holley, we are both HSWs at Rugby Connect for Health. I couldn’t do what I do without her. She is a great support and does a fantastic job. She has worked in school nursing for over 25 years. She has seen many changes during that time which she takes in her stride. She works hard to help and support schools, children, young people and families. She is amazing! 😊 – Thanks – Ruth Nichols, School Nursing Health Support Worker – C4H
Welcoming
Firstly, Rachel Musgrave and Emily Simpson family practitioners at Compass Be. Thankyou for accepting me into their team. These two ladies are fabulous at what they do. They are amazing.
Also to the whole team at Compass Be- thankyou for allowing me to be a part of this amazing team. Everyone had made me feel so welcome and included even though I’m only a volunteer. Keep doing what you are doing Barnsley! – Claire Grayson, Patient/Carer Volunteer – Compass Be
Well done!
Congratulations to Hayley Spies from Birmingham MHST for successfully completing her Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision (EMHP) at The University of Derby. – Rachel Haynes, Clinical Operations Manager – Compass Birmingham MHST
Safeguarding with Jan Smith, Compass Designated Safeguarding Officer
This month’s safeguarding feature for Compass Points has been provided by Maja Roe and concerns Faith-Based Abuse, also described as ‘witchcraft abuse’. Maja is a Mental Health Practitioner in Compass Changing Lives, Derbyshire Mental Health Support Team. Here Maja shares some context and definition for Faith-based abuse and has provided further detail accessible to all staff here for further reading u:/learning and development/faith based abuse 2024.
I hope you find it both interesting and helpful.
If you have a particular area of safeguarding interest you would like to share with colleagues via Compass Points please get in touch with Compass Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) Jan Smith at jan.smith@compass-uk.org.
Faith-Based Abuse?
Faith-based abuse is often characterised within a faith community as ‘possession’ by spirits or witchcraft. It is not linked or limited to a single faith, ethnic community or nationality and examples of faith based abuse have been seen worldwide and within multiple faith and religious groups.
Although there are many examples of faith-based abuse, some specific links have been identified as:
- Spirit/demonic possession or witchcraft acting through the child or young person leading them astray.
- Ritual murder where killing children is thought to bring supernatural benefits.
- The use of children’s body parts believed to produce magical remedies.
- Generating fear in children through a belief in witchcraft or magic to instil fear and compliance in order to facilitate slavery, exploitation or trafficking.
Although numbers of known cases of abuse linked to faith-based abuse remains low, the impact on the physical and mental health, the ability to form relationships and the child’s capacity to learn is profound and long-lasting. Child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) is known to occur more commonly in pre-adolescent children (Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership) who may experience emotional, physical, mental, financial or sexual abuse and this may arise as much from superstition as religion.
Children with additional needs, specific characteristics or vulnerabilities may be at increased risk as they may be viewed as different, this may include
- Children with disability, learning disability or neuro diversity.
- Children living in domestic servitude or private fostering.
- Children separated from biological parents.
- Children with parents who have been branded as witches.
- Children who have behavioural or conduct concerns.
- Children who are struggling with their sexual or gender identity.
- Children with mental health concerns.
- Children who are left-handed children.
- Children who are geniuses or exceptionally bright.
It is important to remember that every child is different. Some children may show a combination of indicators of abuse, while others will try to hide abuse. Other common features across identified cases include:
- Bruises, cuts, burns, , sore eyes, or genitals. Weight loss from fasting. Children may talk about having ‘the devil beaten out’ or of being ‘evil’.
- Lack of medical care, poor supervision, poor hygiene, isolation.
- Behaviour changes including confusion, withdrawal, fear.
- Emotional impact including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of confidence.
Access Maja’s full article here: u:/learning and development/faith based abuse 2024 to learn more about the subject of faith based abuse, what to do if you have concerns and access to useful links and organisations.
Senior Leadership Team Update
At our January meetings SLT discussed a number of strategic items as well as reviewing progress against current key priorities. We reviewed the current format and management of risk registers and how risks are escalated through the organisation. We agreed we could strengthen the review process by amalgamating our registers (strategic, clinical, SLT) into one, so there is greater visibility of all risks ensuring that each risk is dealt with at the most appropriate level.
We considered a revised Incident Response and Management Policy which will replace our existing Incident Management Policy in the coming months. This is due to NHS England rolling out a new Patient Safety Incident Response Framework that requires health providers to develop and maintain effective systems and processes for responding to incidents for the purpose of learning and continuous improvement. This includes an organisational safety incident response action plan. Once the revised policy and action plan has been ratified, it will be cascaded via service managers.
Respective leads provided updates on progress against key priorities for this quarter such as the development of an EDI framework including the roll out of the thematic working groups, results and actions from the staff survey, systems upgrades including the new IT Azure system, new team implementations in Derby and Birmingham and tendering to defend our existing Tower Hamlets Safe East contract.
Know your Senior Leadership Team…
Rachel Bundock, Chief Executive
Olakunle Dare, Finance & Corporate Services Director
Kim Jones, People Director
Jan Smith, Operations Director
Sue Cody, Quality Assurance Lead
Lisa Gale, Assistant Director (Operations)
Jane Wright, Assistant Director (Operations)
Sue Berry, Assistant Director (Operations)
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
2024 Awareness Calendar.
Compass head office staff have produced a new Awareness Calendar for use in services.
U:\Staff Updates\Awareness Calendar
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, 13th February, 2024. Please note that sometimes, we may not publish all stories in the month they are submitted. Because of the volume of Say Thanks messages, we ask that they’re as brief as possible. We may need to edit them.