“This training is outstanding and really makes you think about your practice." Lead Worker Training with Staffordshire.

Staffordshire County Council

Hello all and greetings to the Steven Talbot blog post.

We are getting to the end of the year now and I thought I’d share some of the feedback that I have received from the various organisations, schools, colleges, housing associations and charities who have attended my Lead Worker training as commissioned by the wonderful folks at Staffordshire County Council.  I have been delivering the course throughout the year, and I will continue to do so into the first three months of 2026.  Then?  Well, we’ll have to wait and see… Good things come to those that wait, if 2025 has taught me anything, it’s patience.    

Feedback has ranged from:

"Steven Talbot's Lead Worker Training was absolutely amazing! The content was incredibly insightful, and Steven's teaching style was engaging and highly effective. I left the training feeling empowered, with a clear understanding of how to improve my leadership skills and better support my team. The practical tools and strategies provided have already made a positive impact in my daily work.”

To:

“I’m genuinely excited to partake in any future training sessions with Steven. His expertise and approach to leadership development are second to none, and I know I'll continue to learn a great deal from him. In fact, I’ve already recommended his training to several professionals and family members in the healthcare industry. I believe his training can benefit anyone looking to enhance their leadership abilities and contribute more effectively to their team.”

So, what is Lead Worker training, I hear you ask… Well, here are the aim and objectives of the course:

Aim: The aim of this session is to equip learners with the skills required to become an effective lead worker, benefitting, and improving the lives of families across Staffordshire.

Objectives: By the end of the day’s training, all learners will have:

1.      Explained what is meant by ‘lead worker’ in relation to coordinating Early Help multi-agency teams around the family.

2.      Recognised the different ways in which children and family members and other professionals may respond to probing and / or intervention.

3.      Identified effective communication strategies to support people and reduce the revolving door of families returning to services.

4.      Identified ways in which we can challenge both family members and professionals, using assertiveness, consistency and confidence.

5.      Examined how to cultivate a collaborative approach using Motivational Interviewing skills, underpinned by restorative practice.

6.      Explored some of the Motivational Interviewing traps that we may fall into. 

7.      Utilised the Six Step Change plan to engage and encourage early help with a whole family approach to root causes, solutions and effective closure. 

8.      Explained how to connect with others using emotional intelligence (EQ).

9.      Explained the importance of self-care through reflective practice.

Feedback from the course has been 100% positive with some VERY heartwarming comments indeed. 

“Steven was funny, engaging and very knowledgeable.”

“This training has given me a lot self-reflection and has given me an insight into why working on myself professionally and personally is so important.”

“This has given me more confidence with working with families and during all TAF meetings.”

“I will feel far more confident when leading family meetings and using open questioning skills.”

“I feel I have learned a lot about how to be a lead! It’s been fantastic in supporting me to recognise my own emotional resilience and how to have better presents within a meeting.”

“I feel like I learnt a lot about victim, perpetrator and rescuer task. I never considered how easily the roles could change when interacting and communicating.”

“Lots of practical skills developed throughout the day around commutation and interaction with others that can be put into practice on a day-to-day basis.”

“This training is outstanding and really makes you think about your practice. Steven is an amazing trainer with so much knowledge.”