Development of a leadership role in a secure environment

The ever-changing demands of recruitment and retention, both nationally and at a local level, have resulted in many staff with little or no experience in managing a unit in a secure setting. This study aimed to elicit the views of a cross-section of unit-based staff and middle management, on their experiences of leadership and taking charge of a shift/unit. A qualitative descriptive design was adapted for this study. The data were collected using focus group interviews guided by semistructured interview schedules. Twenty-one subjects participated in three focus groups. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's (1978) framework. Five themes emerged from the data analysis. These are: Perceived practical skills deficit, perceived difference in experience, training program, leadership skills, and teaching learning methods.

The themes generated will provide a framework to develop a training program, which will prepare staff to take on a leadership role within a unit, if required.