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Section 5 of 6
Pathway 4: Expanding capacity

Expanding capacity

The 4 capabilities shown as 4 sections in a circle. Capability 4, which is expanding capacity, is highlighted.

Expanding capacity as a practice leader

An effective practice leader expands capacity by planning strategically, empowering teams, using resources wisely, fostering innovation, and communicating clearly for sustainable growth. 

The following are examples of what that might look like when you expand capacity. 

Strategic thinking 

Anticipating upcoming legislative changes and adjusting service priorities to meet new requirements. Developing a long-term plan for service expansion, ensuring resource allocation aligns with projected growth and community needs. 

Delegation 

Delegating project management tasks to emerging leaders, supporting their professional development while ensuring oversight. Assigning decision-making authority to team leads for day-to-day operations, helping them to manage resources and respond to issues promptly. 

Resource optimisation 

Identifying underused technology systems and implementing them more effectively to support remote working, increasing capacity without additional cost.

Simplifying administrative processes, reducing redundancy in tasks and freeing up staff time for direct service delivery. 

Performance monitoring 

Using a data dashboard to track service outcomes in real-time, allowing for immediate adjustments where necessary. Regularly reviewing team performance metrics, providing feedback, and identifying areas for further capacity-building. 

A data dashboard could include: 

  • case loads per social worker 
  • timescale of assessments and statutory visits 
  • frequency and timeliness of supervision

It may also include service-specific data, including: 

  • response times to missing interviews 
  • child protection conferences and reviews 
  • children in care and child in need review timescales 
  • participation of children in meetings and assessments 

Over to you 

Spend 10 minutes reflecting on one of the following questions:

  • How effectively are you anticipating and preparing for future demands on the service, and what steps have you taken to align resources with long-term goals? 
  • In what ways are you developing and delegating to your team, and how do you ensure they are equipped to take on increased responsibilities? 
  • How well do you optimise existing resources, and where might there be new opportunities to expand capacity without additional cost? 
  • How adaptable is your leadership to challenges, and how do you monitor performance and adjust your approach effectively? 

You can use the ‘Expanding capacity as a practice leader’ section in your 4C leadership capability framework action plan for this activity.

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The resources have been developed by Frontline in collaboration with DfE.
Published: 30 January 2025
Last updated: 30 January 2025