Celebrating Cohort 6 of the South London Care Home Pioneers

The South London Care Home Pioneer Programme is a nine-month initiative delivered by the Health Innovation Network South London (HIN SL) in partnership with My Home Life England. This year marked the sixth cohort of the programme, which concluded on 5 March 2025. In this blog, our Senior Project Manager, Isabel Rodrigues de Abreu, shares her reflections on this year's cohort, along with feedback gathered throughout the programme.

On 5 March 2025, we proudly marked the conclusion of the sixth cohort of South London Care Home Pioneers, a fantastic group of care home leaders and managers who have spent the past nine months developing their leadership skills and delivering meaningful Quality Improvement (QI) projects in their care settings.  The Pioneer Programme has been running since 2018. It is a unique programme designed to support care home managers to grow as leaders whilst making tangible improvements to the way care is provided. Participants leave the programme with more confidence and fresh perspectives that benefit both residents and staff alike.

Reflections on the journey

Being part of the team at the HIN SL, delivering the Pioneer Programme, has been an eye-opening experience. It’s been fulfilling to see how the programme can empower those who manage and provide care daily to some of the most vulnerable citizens. By being involved with the Pioneer Programme, I’ve seen first-hand the value the right support can have on helping care professionals thrive and make a real impact in their roles.

The Celebration event brought together the Pioneers, alumni from previous Pioneer cohorts, and leaders from the care sector. It provided a great opportunity to reflect on each Pioneer’s journey, share key learnings, and showcase the QI projects developed throughout the programme.

Feedback on the Action Learning Sets

One of the most valued aspects of the programme, as described by many Pioneers, are the Action Learning sessions led by My Home Life. Pioneers reported that the sessions created a safe, supportive space where they could openly explore challenges, share insights, and discover new approaches to leadership.

The sessions sparked all kinds of personal and professional reflections. Pioneers spoke about changes in how they lead, how their teams work together, and the wider impact on care culture.

One Pioneer reflected: “I can help my team, what can I do to boost their energy? I can talk with them about solutions and support them to achieve their best.” Another shared a particularly moving insight: “I’m not afraid to lead now, despite how others may view me.” These reflections are an important reminder of how meaningful this journey has been for Pioneers.

Celebrating Quality Improvement projects

A real highlight of the Celebration event was the presentation of the Pioneers’ QI projects. These were practical projects aimed at tackling everyday challenges in their care homes, from improving hydration to reducing recurrent falls.

As part of their project work, many Pioneers reflected on the value of the QI process and the insights they had gained along the way. One Pioneer shared about the importance of communication, recognising the “value of effective communication and the need to foster a supportive environment for both staff and residents.” Another reflected on the practical skills they had developed, noting that they had learned “how to analyse data, implement structured changes, and manage resistance effectively.”

But beyond the individual projects, it was clear how much the overall programme had impacted Pioneers. One Pioneer described how it had helped shift their mindset, sharing, “I believe this [programme] has given me the confidence to lead, and that my issues are not unique to me.” Another added, “The programme is excellent, it supports us not only to be good leaders but also teaches us how to look after ourselves and others.

Overall programme comments:

"It was a space where we could discuss challenges, take guidance from peers, and feel heard. This programme provided invaluable support."

"I am soaring high. I’m happy that I’ve completed the [programme]. I have gained a lot of knowledge, and I’m grateful for the support in becoming a better leader."

"I used to experience self-doubt, but through this programme, I began to believe in myself more. I’ve realised the importance of listening and asking questions to help me in making informed decisions."

"I used to be shy and hesitant to speak my mind, but now I have learned to be more confident and make changes. This programme has helped me become emotionally stronger as a leader."

Looking ahead

With over 160 care home leaders now part of the Pioneer family, the programme continues to build a strong and supportive network of leaders passionate about improving care. A core group remain actively involved through the Pioneer Alumni Network, offering support to new participants and sharing best practices across the sector.

As we celebrate the achievements of Cohort 6, we’re already looking ahead to welcoming the next group of Pioneers. With each new cohort, the impact of the programme grows, shaping care homes that are not only well led but also constantly evolving to meet the needs of residents, families, and staff.