In the world of social care, the post-pandemic environment has created a greater need for versatility and more agile structures of working – which in turn have put added pressure on leadership figures. Nik Shah looks at what can be done to help protect and develop one of the sector’s most valuable assets

The pandemic has left the social care sector under immense pressure. Greater numbers of people have been presented to social care services at a time where councils are juggling pandemic responses, public health mandates, and their own remote working.

A combination of soaring demand, inadequate resources, and a restricted work environment have left senior leaders burnt out. For many, it’s signalled retirement or career moves out of the sector. At the same time, aspiring leaders need more versatile skillsets and cross-departmental experience, but the pressures of COVID-19 often mean they lack capacity to gain either.