Empowering Practice: Lead Worker Practice Essentials. June 2026. "Steven has a wealth of knowledge and stories in real life situations.”

Greetings one and all,

I have had the busiest June on record (yes, I’m aware we are now in July but I’m a bit behind!), I’ve laughed, I’ve learned and I’ve had a fantastic time with some truly inspirational people. 

What do I do my job for?  To see the real-life examples of good practice, to see the changes in people, to see how we are making a difference to people and enriching and inspiring them into change behaviour.  My heart lies with children and families, and the need to ensure everyone has an exemplary start to their life.  If only this was the case for every child.  So many horror stories on the news recently, it really can start to feel that things are getting worse. 

One of the courses that I deliver for Staffordshire County Council is, ‘Empowering Practice: Lead Worker Practice Essentials.’  This course is delivered via the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, meaning that I have an array of professionals from across Staffordshire attending the training.  Professionals who are working each and every day to advocate for their families and children.  It may feel like we are going in the wrong direction, (because after all good news doesn’t sell), well enough with the endless bad news.  My course highlights some of the amazing work happening right across Staffordshire. 

I have recently undertaken a top to toe revamp of the course.  Hey, they loved it before, now they’ll love it even more.

·         New films

·         New interactive activities

·         Uplifting case studies of good if not excellent practice.

Here is smattering of the feedback comments so far for the course: 

 “Engaging training.”

“Steve was really personable and knowledgeable; he made it exciting and interesting. You can also tell he has an great understanding of what he is talking about.”

“Very interactive, Steven is very approachable and knowledgeable.”

“The activities were very useful and insightful; they urged me to consider changing my own mindset.”

“Steven’s engaging manner, excellent pace, very relevant content and interactive.”

"Very interesting, informative with humour and real-life stories.”

“What did I enjoy most of all?  How interactive it was, getting to meet new people & hearing their job roles and how different things are.”

“It was very interactive and interesting.”

“I enjoyed how relatable the content was and how interactive and engaging Steven made it.”

“All of it. Steven has a wealth of knowledge and stories in real life situations.”

“Opportunity to discuss with others but also having real life scenarios this made it more thought provoking.”

“I enjoyed the interactive elements of the training most, especially the opportunity to reflect on real workplace situations and learn effective leadership approaches."

"I particularly enjoyed the interacting with other likeminded passionate professionals. The case studies were very interesting and gave food for thought. The feedback about how the young people are now getting on in life was good to hear.”

“The Six Step Change Plan is great - I feel these can be utilised with staff, feed into We Perform conversations. The mindfulness exercise towards the end was very therapeutic and a lovely touch.”

“Steven, I could not recommend the courses of yours enough, thank you. Keep being the wonderful you and spreading your knowledge, kindness and passion - you’re valued and appreciated."

“What could be improved?  To be honest I enjoyed everything therefore particularly difficult to answer this. It was all fabulous!”