– The purpose of this paper is to explore the leadership qualities and behaviours required to support recovery-focussed practice in mental health.
– This paper contrasts the prevailing leadership style within the NHS with the leadership style required to support recovery-focussed practice in mental health. The underlying reasons for, and implications of, this disparity are explored.
– The leadership style required to support recovery-focussed practice in mental health services is one based on collaboration, empowerment, service-user led practice, autonomy, shared decision making, distribution of power, compassion, strengths, valuing, recognising and rewarding positive behaviours and using a collective approach. This is fundamentally at odds with that experienced by staff working within the NHS.
– If NHS services are genuinely to promote the recovery of those whom they serve then the leadership and culture of organisations is critical.
