To suggest a permanent title for our magazine, please see the back page.
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At Polaris, our mission is ambitious and clear, we want our community to be where every child, family and staff member can reach their full potential. This is not just a statement—it’s a commitment that shapes everything we do, every day.
As we launch this new Leadership Magazine, I want to acknowledge a key component in achieving our mission is you- our leaders within our community. Whether you are managing a team, shaping policy or supporting others, your leadership helps drives progress and positive change across Polaris.
This magazine is designed as a practical resource and a space for honest conversation and learnings. We want to share ideas, highlight best practice and help us all navigate the challenges and opportunities within our sector. I hope you’ll find it useful, thoughtprovoking, and relevant to your work.
Thank you for your commitment, your expertise and your leadership.
Jo August, CEO, Polaris Community
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From Jo Wright, Head of Safeguarding & Ellen Copperthwaite, Head of Learning and
Development –Editors’ Note
Welcome to the pilot edition of our new Leadership Magazine, created especially for leaders across Polaris.
We know that leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it is shaped by the challenges of our sector, the demands of the wider world of work and the responsibility we carry for children, families and teams every single day. This magazine is designed to be your space: a place to spark ideas, share practice and explore what it means to lead with purpose in times of change.
Whether it’s tackling sector reforms, navigating the fast-shifting expectations of the workplace or simply finding new ways to support each other, our aim is to bring together insight, inspiration and conversation to help you grow as a leader and to help Polaris continue to thrive. This is just the beginning. We’ll launch fully in January 2026, with quarterly editions, but for now we’d love your help in shaping the magazine. You’ll find a QR code on the last page where you can suggest a name, pitch themes or even volunteer to guest edit or contribute.
We hope you enjoy this pilot edition and look forward to it official launch in 2026.
Shaping Leadership Together
You might remember that earlier this year we asked for your views on our leadership L&D offer. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed— your input has been invaluable in shaping what comes next.
Here is a small summary of the findings from this survey.
• 76% of respondents were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the current offer.
• 72% of respondents said the courses were very or somewhat effective.
• When asked about the most effective learning formats, 31% preferred face-to-face training, followed by 22% longer programmes, 21% virtual training/webinars, 14% learning events following serious case reviews and 13% e-learning.
• Barriers to accessing courses included time (43%), knowledge of what’s available (21%), accessibility (19%), format (8%) and other reasons (9%).
• In terms of course length, the majority (38%) felt 2–3 hours was the maximum, with only 4% choosing sessions of up to an hour.
This feedback has been incredibly helpful in shaping our new strategy and future projects. Some initiatives are already underway, while others are in development.
You said – we did
You said
88% of people said it would be helpful for Polaris to host a day of Leadership Training, choosing a small number of training topics to be delivered face to face.
100% of leaders wanted a regular communication covering internal and external development opportunities.
14% of people said they felt learning events following child safeguarding practice reviews are helpful.
Planning is underway for the firstever Polaris Leadership Festival in 2026—a two-day event with workshops, discussions and networking. We did / are doing
This pilot magazine of our leadership magazine is part of that response, with quarterly editions to follow from January 2026.
In March 2025, we launched a R.I.S.E podcast, taking the energy and appetite seen in the live sessions to a more modern and accessible format – podcasts
We’re also exploring ways to share messages from internal reviews.
A variety of content was suggested by respondents including more bespoke training delivered by subject matter experts leading to accreditation where possible.
A large number of respondents also spoke about wanting wider development opportunities beyond formal training, including secondments, coaching and mentoring.
We’re working with internal and external experts to develop new modules and explore accreditation routes where possible.
We’re actively building this into future projects and into regular magazine features.
Each edition of the magazine will include some regular features you can rely on:
1. Organisational updates – key news and changes from across Polaris.
2. New learning opportunities – announcements of upcoming training courses and events.
3. Wider learning and inspiration – curated external opportunities such as free or low-cost training, conferences, useful articles, podcasts, and videos.
4. Leadership Spotlight Theme – exploring one of our Three Pillars of Leadership and Management Training in depth.
This way, each issue will keep you up to date, connected and inspired, whilst also helping us explore what leadership looks like in practice at Polaris.
New learning opportunities
The Leadership Development Programme is entering its fifth year since its inception. As you conclude this year and begin to contemplate your goals and aspirations for 2026, or if any of your team members are considering stepping into leadership roles, be sure to keep an eye out for the opening of applications.
New for January 2026 –New Course Alert *Goal Setting for leaders* - dates will be published soon!
Spotlight Theme: Know Yourself –Key Skills for Leaders Wider Learning and Inspiration Free Leadership Compass Assessment
Click on the link below to take the Leadership Compass Self-Assessment
Leadership-compass-selfassessment.pdf.
This is a tool developed by Be the Change Consulting to help individuals identify their dominant leadership style based on four directional archetypes: North (Action), East (Vision), South (Empathy) and West (Analytical).
This assessment aims to foster a shared vocabulary and understanding of diverse work styles within teams, enhancing collaboration and self-awareness.
Videos
BECOMING A BETTER LEADER |
Stephanie Jay
Hosted by Stephanie Jay in the UK, this TEDxUWE talk breaks down the essential habits and mindset shifts to become a more effective leader—short, relatable, and full of practical takeaways.
Management vs. Leadership: What’s the Real Difference? | Simon Sinek
In this short video Simon breaks down the essential skills leaders need, why leadership is a responsibility, and how you can start your journey of lifelong learning today.
Books
Simon Sinek is described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” and has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do. Simon is the author of multiple best-selling books including Start with Why
Click here to purchase.
Leaders Eat Last: The leadership book that every good manager needs, from the multi-million copy bestselling author of Start With Why:
Click here to purchase
All great books to read to ensure that we continue to teach ourselves the skills needed to be a great leaders.
Podcasts
Podcast Recommendation – Hosted by Carla Miller, this podcast designed to help leaders, particularly women in leadership, increase their influence and impact in their organisations. Often joined by experienced consultants and coaches to discuss tricky, but essential leadership skills such as difficult conversations and change management.
Listen on apple podcasts Influence & Impact for Leaders - Podcast - Apple Podcasts or Spotify Influence & Impact for Leaders | Podcast on Spotify.
Articles
Gary Cookson (CIPD) outlines critical trends shaping leadership in the year ahead. As digital tools, hybrid models, and AI reframe how we work, leaders must adapt with agility, embrace tech and be ready to guide teams through continual change. The future of work: how leaders can stay ahead in 2025.
Reflection Corner –Leading Beyond the Mould by Jo Wright, Head of Safeguarding
Have you ever been told you don’t quite “fit” the leadership mould? Perhaps you’ve been advised to show more gravitas, be less emotional, or toughen up. I recently listened to Carla Miller’s podcast Episode 185: When You Don’t Fit the Leadership Mould and I found it a refreshing reminder that what sets us apart is often what makes us powerful.
The traditional image of leadership—stoic, commanding, unshakeable—wasn’t designed with everyone in mind. It reflects outdated norms rather than the diverse reality of today’s workplaces. When we contort ourselves to fit that mould, we risk silencing the very qualities that allow us to connect, inspire and innovate.
What struck me most from the discussion is how traits we sometimes second-guess—empathy, vulnerability, collaboration—are not weaknesses. They are strengths. They build trust. They foster psychological safety. They open doors for others to bring their whole selves to work. These are the qualities that make leadership sustainable, human and real.
At Polaris, we already value perspective and difference. Our community thrives because leaders bring their authentic selves, creating an environment where individuality is recognised as a source of strength. For me, this podcast was a chance to pause and reflect on how I can continue to lean into that authenticity and encourage others to do the same.
The truth is: leadership has never been onesize-fits-all. The mould itself is too small for the complexity and diversity of today’s challenges. The leaders who stand out are those who embrace their difference and let it shape the way they influence and impact others.
So if you’ve ever felt you don’t fit — perhaps you’re exactly what leadership needs right now. Your difference isn’t a gap to close; it’s a gift to to grow into.
Theme for January 2026 –Strategy and Vision setting
The new year is the perfect time to pause, reflect and set your sights on the horizon. In our January edition, we dive into strategy and vision setting – exploring how leaders can think boldly, align their teams and turn ambitious ideas into actionable plans.
Expect practical tools, inspiring examples and thought-provoking insights to help you clarify your direction, energise your colleagues and make 2026 a year of purposeful impact. Whether you’re shaping organisational goals or your own leadership roadmap, this issue will give you fresh perspectives to start the year strong.
Get ready to lead with clarity, confidence and vision!
Your chance to shape this magazine
We want this to be built with you, for you.
• Click here or scan the QR code to suggest a name—the winning idea earns a £25 Exchange credit.
• Click here or scan QR code to share feedback, propose themes or volunteer to contribute to future editions.
Together, let’s build something that reflects the very best of Polaris leadership.
