Welcome, Leaders who find themselves in turbulent waters!
There is no doubt we are living in disruptive and challenging times. Working as a leader in Children’s Services, or in any public service for that matter, is a huge privilege, requiring the navigation of an uncertain environment.
We necessarily have to work through technical, process driven systems within a changing political environment with seemingly ever-decreasing resources and yet at the same time, the work we do to support families is not technical or transactional, it is relational, complex and requires a system response that is interconnected and interdependent.
To work in these turbulent environments, sometimes called VUCA environments, we need a different set of skills, capabilities and practices to navigate the uncertainty. In our VUCA video and resources, we likened this challenge to that of a captain and crew going on a journey into unknown waters.
Through the materials you will find different tools, resources, prompts, self assessments and navigation resources which we hope you find helpful for your journey.
Jane Parfrement
Chief Executive
The Staff College
What is VUCA?
What is the VUCA at sea toolkit?
This collection of tools is designed to support leaders and organisations to develop skills, approaches and qualities in Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Each toolkit addresses a unique aspect of leadership and organisational development, helping to develop resilience, inclusivity, and strategic approaches.
Alongside the VUCA video which sets the overall context, this suite of tools enables reflection, discussion, and engagement.
Systems Leadership Safety Checklist
This toolkit is a vital resource for leaders navigating complex and uncertain environments.
It features cards outlining key leadership skills such as collaboration, communication, conflict management, and trust-building.
Suitable for individual or group use, the toolkit helps leaders to assess and develop their practices by identifying strengths and development needs. This promotes continuous improvement, inclusivity, and a person-centred approach, making it essential for resilient and effective leadership.
Co-Production Resource
This toolkit is essential for organisations aiming to involve children, young people, and their families in service design and delivery.
This toolkit emphasises listening to lived experiences and fostering collaboration in VUCA environments. By assessing your organisation’s position on the co-production ladder, you can shift towards more reciprocal and effective service provision.
Key actions include recognising the key importance of people, building on existing capabilities, blurring distinctions between professionals and users, and ensuring mutual support. This toolkit promotes a cultural shift towards genuine co-production, making services more responsive and inclusive.
Horizon Scanning and Planning for the Future Kit
This is a toolkit for identifying threats and opportunities in volatile and uncertain environments.
This toolkit provides ways of developing systematic approaches to make early interventions which can support significant developments,, emphasising the importance of continuous monitoring and strategic planning. By gathering and analysing data from diverse sources, organisations can anticipate future challenges, support innovation, and improve service delivery.
Key actions include organising a scanning team, spotting signals, tracking trends, and developing strategic responses. This toolkit helps public services stay informed and proactive in adapting to future changes.
Inclusion Self-Reflection Tool
This resource is essential for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and fair environment within organisations. This toolkit encourages leaders and teams to reflect on their practices, emphasising the importance of creating new, inclusive spaces rather than just integrating into existing ones. Key actions include amplifying marginalised voices, addressing power and privilege dynamics, and fostering open communication.
By answering reflective questions and engaging in courageous conversations, organisations can identify areas for improvement and make commitments to enhance inclusivity, ensuring everyone feels accepted, heard, and valued. This tool helps create a more equitable and connected organisational culture.
What is included in the VUCA at sea toolkit?
- Navigation map and introduction
- Five toolkits:
- Coaching Skills Toolkit – Including Grow prompt cards
- Systems Leadership Toolkit – Includes Systems Leadership Safety Checklist cards
- Co-Production Toolkit
- Inclusive Leadership Toolkit
- Horizon Scanning Toolkit
- Helpful worksheets to document journey
