Now in its second year. This exciting programme is developed in partnership with Skills for Care. It is specifically designed for aspiring Directors of Adult Social Services (DASS) who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.
In today’s complex and ever-changing social care landscape, the DASS role demands resilience, innovation, and unwavering confidence.
This programme is your tailored solution to navigate these challenges successfully whilst making a meaningful impact in your community and organisation.
It’s delivered by industry leaders with evidence-based leadership development expertise.
The content is contemporary, relevant and personalised to the unique needs of aspiring DASSs.
Who should attend?
Suitable for any of the following in England:
- An aspiring DASS
- A current DASS who is thinking about success planning
- An HR or organisational development lead thinking about how to provide a leadership pathway to the DASS role
Why choose this programme?
- Transform your leadership with guidance from experienced directors and national experts.
- Build confidence to inspire teams, drive change and navigate challenges.
- Develop strong networks within a supportive peer cohort.
Programme structure
The 2026 programme begins with an online welcome session in March. This is followed by four immersive face-to-face workshops across two set consecutive days in April and June.
These sessions cover core themes such as:
- Leadership development
- System and place-based working
- Workforce and commissioning
- Innovative practice
- The DASS recruitment process
- Data driven impact
- And, much more…
A more detailed description of each workshop, the presenters and what you’ll get out of each one will be available soon.
What you will achieve
- Leading with confidence, resilience, and ambition.
- Inspiring high-performing teams and fostering inclusive, dynamic work environments.
- Developing advanced decision making skills to address complex issues.
- Building a strong foundation of political intelligence and strategic thinking.
- Driving meaningful organisational change and improving outcomes for the communities you serve.
Delivery
The programme will be delivered over a three month period. There will be one online introductory session, three face-to-face residential days and six live online workshops.
Full attendance at the face to face residential days and the webinars is a mandatory requirement of the programme.
Dates and locations
The 2026 programme starts on Wednesday 26 March.
Face-to-face sessions
- Day one: Wednesday 29 April 2026
- Day two: Thursday 30 April 2026
- Day three: Tuesday 16 June 2026
- Day four: Wednesday 17 June 2026
All face-to-face workshops will be held at the University of Warwick.
Cost
£1700 + VAT
Payment is by credit card or invoice.
Participants are eligible to claim LDSS funding of £525 to support attendance.
Accommodation is not included in the programme cost, but we can arrange a room at Starman House for an additional fee.
Lunch and dinner are provided on the first in-person day. Only lunch will be provided on the second.
Email the team on leadership@skillsforcare.org.uk if you have any questions.
