Salil

Where I started

"I joined Southwark in September 2015 as a team manager and progressed to a service manager in May 2021. 

 

Joining Southwark for my first team manager position was so rewarding. I joined a team that was in its early stages of formation. During my time in this role, I recruited new staff, developed new processes and ways of working that focused on the social model of mental health, rather than more medical models that I had been used to since qualifying as a social worker.  I learnt so much in my first leadership role, and this was with the support I received. 

 

I started working as a service manager in 2021 and have had the opportunity to work alongside a brilliant staff team and managers, which has made this role so enjoyable and fulfilling.  Everyone is wholly committed to improving the outcomes and wellbeing of the people we support in creative and innovative ways. This includes specialist support for people with substance misuse needs, occupational therapy, peer mentoring and rights/strengths-based social work, which is truly person-centred.  

 

We are a mental health adult social care service that is proud to use the frameworks of the social model and the Care Act to support people. Recently, we have been working with a group of service users to co-produce a staff charter of pledges, based on what and how they want services to be. 

 

I have worked as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) since 2007 and have continued to do so whilst working in my current role. Here in Southwark, the AMHP service has been centralised for many years and is a tightly run service with supportive leadership. I value spending time contributing to the rota. In this capacity, we ensure people receive the assessment and treatment they urgently need when they experience mental health crises, whilst aligning this with the framework and protections of the Mental Health Act.  

 

As a born and bred north Londoner, I have really enjoyed getting to know Southwark and discovering a new city south of the river!  It’s certainly unique; its vibrancy, diversity and multiculturalism make Southwark such a great place to work.  There is something about the people in Southwark and how they all come together to deliver the best possible service. 

The working culture at Southwark

"You may ask yourself why I have continued to work in Southwark.  The reason would be that I’ve been given so many opportunities to learn, reflect and grow as a social worker, as a manager, a leader and as a person.  I’ve felt so fortunate to have supportive colleagues and managers. For me, being supported means having colleagues and managers who are always available to guide me, to critically reflect, learn from and be challenged.  

 

In Southwark adult social care, there is a real culture of learning and development. We offer a whole range of training and learning opportunities based on the needs of the service and staff. I’ve been involved in some exciting work recently about how to better support LGBTQ+ service users and develop an adult social care zero tolerance framework. 

Getting into research

"A few years ago, I was supported by the department to complete a Master's in Professional Leadership for Social Work.  My research looked at a specific safeguarding adult issue in Southwark, and it felt great to be exploring something that was pertinent to the borough, which added value to the borough and its staff.  I am currently undertaking a doctorate in advanced practice and research for social work and social care. 

 

I have enjoyed developing my career alongside the opportunities that Southwark have had available and look forward to continuing this through my professional career."