The Centre for Mental Health Learning (CMHL) is partnering with Foundation House, to deliver a pilot Trauma-informed Leadership Program for Area Mental Health Services (AMHS) in 2022-2023.
The Leadership Program is targeted at people working in middle management roles or are emerging leaders within their organisation and who are in a position to influence system change.
Developing the leadership capacity of the public mental health workforce is a priority area which will support individuals and organisations to contribute to sustainable sector reform. The learning outcomes of the Leadership Program align with the principles and capabilities outlined in the Capability Framework
The Leadership Program, facilitated by Foundation House, consists of eight full day workshop modules and includes a 1-hour one-on-one coaching session for all participants.
The modules of the program are:
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Foundations of Leadership
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Trauma-informed Practice for Managers and Leaders
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Team and organisational dynamics in organisations impacted by trauma
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One-on-one coaching session
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Effective Language and Communication
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Bringing Clarity to uncertainty and leading for the future
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Operational Supervision
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Reflective Supervision
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Closing Workshop
CMHL convened a module review committee, which includes lived-experience workforce representation, to work with Foundation House to adapt the Leadership Program to ensure it is fit for purpose for the public mental health sector.
This pilot program includes two cohorts. Cohort 1 ran from September 2022 - June 2023 and included 25 participants from five AMHS; St Vincent's Mental Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Austin Health, Mercy Mental Health and Eastern Health. Cohort 2 will commence in July 2023 - December 2023 and included 27 participants from seven AMHS; Monash Health, Bendigo Health, Alfred Mental & Addiction Health, South West Health, Mildura Base Public Hospital, Albury Wodonga Health and La Trobe Regional Hospital.
CMHL will be leading a formal evaluation of this pilot program.
In 2023, participants from cohort 1 and Beth Dunlop presented about the program at the CMHN Collab Conference. Their presentation, 'Trauma Informed Leadership – Supporting Leaders to Lead with a Trauma Informed Lens' was voted 2023 People's Choice Presentation for Day Two.
