Key characteristics

Characteristics of a social care learning organisation

Organisational structure

1. Service user and carer feedback and participation are actively sought, valued and resourced, and used to influence and inform practice. ( - more information)
2. Team working, learning and making the best use of all staff skills are integral to the organisation. ( - more information)
3. There is cross-organisational and collaborative working. ( - more information)

Organisational culture

4. There is a system of shared beliefs, values, goals and objectives. ( - more information)
5. The development of new ideas and methods is encouraged. ( - more information)
6. An open learning environment allows learning from mistakes and the opportunity to test out innovative practice. ( - more information)
7. Messages from research and new evidence are thought about and incorporated into practice. ( - more information)

Information systems

8. There are effective information systems, for both internal and external communication. ( - more information)
9. Policies and procedures are meaningful and understood by everybody (based on a human rights and social justice approach). ( - more information)

Human resource practices

10. There is continuous development for all staff including a clear supervision and appraisal policy. ( - more information)

Leadership

11. There is capacity for the organisation to change and develop services over and above day-to-day delivery. ( - more information)
12. Leadership at all levels embodies and models the key principles of a learning organisation. ( - more information)

Note: The 12 'knowledge about learning organisations’ (dark blue) cards address these characteristics in the order in which they appear here.