View all badges
#9 Strategic vision and direction
Middle managers in social services act as the key lynchpin between those responsible for strategic vision and direction and those engaged in direct services and support. They contribute in-depth knowledge of frontline practice ensuring that this informs organisational strategy and policy. They develop systems and procedures to enable strategic decisions to be implemented effectively at an operational level. They look outward to the wider external context and inward to the organisation’s internal reality.
To earn this Open Badge, you should use the resources on our Step into Leadership website to help you meet the criteria below. You may also wish to reflect on other leadership learning you have undertaken that contributes to you meeting the criteria e.g. a formal leadership programme you have undertaken or leadership learning that has been delivered by your organisation.
Provide evidence that you are able to:
- contribute to the development of organisational vision and direction which reflects shared values, purpose and aspiration
- ensure that the views and concerns of staff and people using services are represented and reflected within your organisation’s strategic vision
- represent and communicate that vision to others
- motivate and inspire others in support of the vision
- maintain broad awareness and understanding of the social, political and economic and professional context of social services
- critically analyse and evaluate current and emerging developments in the local and national context relevant to the delivery of social work and social care services
- evaluate the impact of your organisation’s strategic plans and policies, and provide constructive feedback to influence the direction of the organisation
- contribute to and oversee the development of operational systems, procedures, practices and policies which support organisational strategy and direction.
You should already hold the Leadership Capability Feedback badge.
Please provide a written statement or link to an audio or video recording showing how what you’ve learned from the resources has contributed to your professional development and informed your practice. There’s no limit to the number of words you can use in your statement although we would suggest 500-1000 words will allow you to reflect your learning effectively. Keep the criteria above in mind when preparing your statement. You can provide your statement on the badge application form or provide a link to your own blog or e-portfolio.
If you want to use a blog or ePortfolio entry as evidence, you might find our guide to preparing and publishing your evidence useful.
Remember, the evidence you provide will be viewable by anyone you show your badge to. Please don’t include confidential or private information within your statement.
Badge issuer
Scottish Social Services Council
Promoting high standards, raising public confidence and developing a trained and trusted social service workforce in Scotland.
Submit your application
The SSSC Open Badge system relies on trust. We trust that the evidence you provide will be of your own work and based on your own skills and knowledge. By submitting an application you agree to the following statement: "In studying and completing the activities for this badge, I confirm that all the work provided as evidence will be my own." The SSSC will revoke a badge if the evidence provided is discovered to have been the work of someone else.Your evidence, name, and email address will be sent to the organisation who issue this badge