What is the Aspiring Leaders Program?
The Aged Care Aspiring Leaders Program is a unique and fun professional development opportunity for aged care sector staff in South Australia. Its purpose is to identify, recognise, inspire and retain the sector’s next generation of leaders. This team-based management simulation experience has led to demonstrable participant learning outcomes and grown participants’ confidence to be leaders.
The program brings together cross functional and interdepartmental teams from a variety of Aged Care Sector organisations to grow participants’ skills and confidence by showcasing their talent, while exposing them to real life management and leadership challenges.
The program spans several months and is comprised of several phases including Team Selection, Team Preparation, Showcase Day, and Post Event Debriefs.
History
In 2023 and 2024, Resthaven Inc. partnered with Top Branch Consulting to design and deliver the Resthaven Team Talent Showcase to 96 staff across Resthaven. From inception, the shared vision for the program was to include the whole sector. For 2025 and beyond, we are thrilled to rename the program ‘The Aspiring Leaders Program’ and to announce the inclusion of eight aged care service providers. It is the hope of all that the program continues to grow and involve more organisations in the spirit of collaboration, sharing, learning together and the development of our people.
Below is a highlight video of the inaugural program.
Participating Organisations:
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Testimonials
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“The program was a great experience. I particularly found it really enriching to learn more about my organisation and meet people in other roles and get their insight. The three sessions before the day were great to get us working as a team, and we could build our relationships before the big day. The day itself ran smoothly for our team, it was the perfect mix of challenging and fun. We worked well together and completed the deliverables on time. The passion and enthusiasm from the coaches, managers etc. was really great to see! I definitely felt like I was part of something really special for my organisation's future of recognising employees.”
Program Participant
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“We’ve learned a lot over the course of the program, especially with being put in situations that we previously didn’t have experience in. I feel that we’ve grown in our communication and confidence.”
Program Participant
Recipient of Highly Commended People and Culture Award (2023)
‘This unique professional development initiative focuses on fostering interdepartmental collaboration, enhancing staff confidence, and increasing staff retention. The program addresses the problem of staff turnover in aged care, creating a sense of joy and fun while offering staff from all levels a chance to develop their leadership skills.’