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Niamh Hickey, Aishling Flaherty and Patricia Mannix McNamara
There is currently a shortage of applications for the role of principal. There are a range of factors contributing to this, one of which may be the considerable levels of stress…
Abstract
Purpose
There is currently a shortage of applications for the role of principal. There are a range of factors contributing to this, one of which may be the considerable levels of stress and burnout reported by principals and deputy principals. Distributed leadership may offer some solutions to this challenge. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of distributed leadership from a role sustainability perspective of school principals and deputy principals.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper follows a qualitative interpretivist approach based upon 15 semi-structured interviews with principals and deputy principals working in Irish post-primary schools. Data were analysed via thematic analysis.
Findings
Results indicate challenges to the sustainability of the role of senior school leaders comprising administrative overload, policy proliferation and challenges due to the complexity and breadth of the role of these school leaders. It was reported that engagement with distributed leadership could aid the sustainability of participants in their roles and the importance of focusing on well-being practices was also highlighted.
Practical implications
Recommendations include the need to reconsider policy proliferation and the need to reconceptualise school leadership. Further consideration regarding how distributed leadership can aid the sustainability of the role of senior school leaders, without adversely contributing to the already busy role of schoolteachers is also recommended.
Originality/value
The findings of this study are valuable as they reflect previous findings relating to the current challenges to sustainable school leadership as well as highlight distributed leadership as a potential aid to mitigate against these challenges.
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Leanne Weber, Jarrett Blaustein, Kathryn Benier, Rebecca Wickes and Diana Johns
Victoria Boydell and Katharine Dow
Here we provide a short reflection on the persistent themes from the volume and relate it to wider reproductive studies.
Abstract
Here we provide a short reflection on the persistent themes from the volume and relate it to wider reproductive studies.
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Bruce Wallace, Lea Gozdzialski, Abdelhakim Qbaich, Azam Shafiul, Piotr Burek, Abby Hutchison, Taylor Teal, Rebecca Louw, Collin Kielty, Derek Robinson, Belaid Moa, Margaret-Anne Storey, Chris Gill and Dennis Hore
While there is increasing interest in implementing drug checking within overdose prevention, we must also consider how to scale-up these responses so that they have significant…
Abstract
Purpose
While there is increasing interest in implementing drug checking within overdose prevention, we must also consider how to scale-up these responses so that they have significant reach and impact for people navigating the unpredictable and increasingly complex drug supplies linked to overdose. The purpose of this paper is to present a distributed model of community drug checking that addresses multiple barriers to increasing the reach of drug checking as a response to the illicit drug overdose crisis.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed description of the key components of a distributed model of community drug checking is provided. This includes an integrated software platform that links a multi-instrument, multi-site service design with online service options, a foundational database that provides storage and reporting functions and a community of practice to facilitate engagement and capacity building.
Findings
The distributed model diminishes the need for technicians at multiple sites while still providing point-of-care results with local harm reduction engagement and access to confirmatory testing online and in localized reporting. It also reduces the need for training in the technical components of drug checking (e.g. interpreting spectra) for harm reduction workers. Moreover, its real-time reporting capability keeps communities informed about the crisis. Sites are additionally supported by a community of practice.
Originality/value
This paper presents innovations in drug checking technologies and service design that attempt to overcome current financial and technical barriers towards scaling-up services to a more equitable and impactful level and effectively linking multiple urban and rural communities to report concentration levels for substances most linked to overdose.
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Julianne Cecile Barry, Tara Lise Erb and Krista Stelkia
The British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR) aims to support and advance research leadership among Indigenous communities, collectives and…
Abstract
Purpose
The British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR) aims to support and advance research leadership among Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations (ICCOs) within British Columbia, Canada. The BC NEIHR provides support and funding to ICCOs for research development and knowledge sharing. This funding model supports ICCOs' self-determined health research by providing funds that are fully controlled by ICCOs, without the requirement of a non-Indigenous host organization.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted a critical analysis of 35 ICCO research development and knowledge-sharing grant applications to identify how ICCOs are decolonizing research and methodologies.
Findings
Six themes were identified from ICCO decolonizing methodologies: (1) identified, driven, and led by Indigenous Peoples and community; (2) guidance from advisors, ethical guidelines, and local protocols; (3) follow traditional and cultural practices; (4) determine what is knowledge and ways to share knowledge; (5) celebrating the sharing and returning of knowledge and (6) advancing relationality: building and strengthening relationships.
Originality/value
This paper highlights the impact of how the BC NEIHR and ICCOs are advancing decolonizing methodologies to support self-determined Indigenous health research led by, and grounded in, Indigenous communities. It reflects on the work of Maori scholar Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples and contributes to the literature of decolonizing methodologies.
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Julie Stubbs, Sophie Russell, Eileen Baldry, David Brown, Chris Cunneen and Melanie Schwartz