'How am I doing?': Advancing management skills through the use of a multi-source feedback tool to enhance work-based learning on a post-qualifying post-graduate leadership and management programme

The acquisition of advanced skills and knowledge in leadership and management is cited as key to delivering a vision for quality care services. Managers need concrete tools for promoting their own learning within organisational cultures for self-managed learning to thrive. We report on the application of a tailor-made multi-source feedback tool to promote the advancement of management skills on a post-qualifying award for social work managers. This particular tool was based on English national leadership and management standards and its 10 'key principles'. Managers were required to analyse and reflect on their current level of skill using line-management, peer, supervisee, staff and service user appraisal. They then developed a work-based learning and development plan, supported by mentoring and supervision. How we actually measure skill and associated knowledge and values is an under-researched area. Determining the ideal structure for defining and measuring outcomes of skill development highlights the complexities involved. Data from the managers' own evaluations are used to debate the value of using skill definitions flexible enough to enable individual use and interpretation but not so general as to be meaningless. The discussion suggests that use of a multi-source assessment tool and the process were found to be useful on a number of dimensions.