Aspirant Directors Programme

What to expect

Starting in late September 2024 and running until March 2025, the fifth upon Programme offers an exceptional learning opportunity for around 35 talented individuals who want to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families and community outcomes.

The delivery of the programme centre around face to face learning. Having delivered very successful cohorts in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and currently delivering the fourth cohort for 2024 with great feedback, we know that you will benefit from a rich learning experience, taking advantage of online resources alongside residential and face-to-face activities.

We know the programme supports those who are committed to children and young people to become better leaders, and that since 2020, 17 alumni have gone on to be appointed as a DCS, demonstrating not only the success of the programme but the determination of our participants continue the drive to make things better.

We’ll concentrate on creating an inspiring environment for you to grow into the role of Director, using a range of inputs and techniques. 

  • As well as 8 ‘taught’ days, you will take part in learning visits, action learning and leadership challenge activities, planned to support you in your very busy day job.
  • Content will be tailored around the needs of the cohort, using the skills and experience of participants, as well as the expertise of facilitators and contributors.

What you’ll experience

  • Leadership and management development including both academic learning and the chance to discuss the realities with leaders in the field, personal leadership qualities and resilience, systems leadership and building alliances and partnerships; working in political and corporate contexts; leading in complexity; engaging communities; delivering results; innovation and change.
  • Building technical knowledge and skills – open access repository including guides, videos, blogs from successful leaders, learning sessions in areas of knowledge gaps. 
  • Personal support – you’ll have formative assessments including 360 feedback, a regional learning mentor and employer support. There is optional academic accreditation and a coaching offer, plus career advice and support.
  • You’ll grow as a person and as a leader during the programme to help you feel more ready to step up to a DCS role with confidence, and you’ll build a strong peer community during the programme and beyond.

In return, we ask that you, and your employers, are committed to your full contribution to, and completion of the programme, giving to your peers as well as yourselves.

Webinars

  • Thursday 25th April: 9am-10am
  • Tuesday 7th May: 1pm-2pm
  • Monday 20th May: 11am-12pm
  • Tuesday 4th June: 2:30pm-3:30pm

We believe the future of Children’s Services is one of diversity, acceptance, and equal opportunities for all. There are some outstanding role models for all of us amongst the world’s Global Majority leaders but we know that there remain barriers to progression which are long standing in this sector and others. To help achieve greater diversity of leaders, upon will be providing specific support for aspiring leaders, new Directors and employers, to help address some of the barriers to progression. We particularly welcome applications from Global Majority Leaders.

We are working with existing leaders from our Black and Asian Leadership Initiative (BALI) along with other senior leaders, to develop our approach.

If you are not already involved in this work and would like to know more, please contact us at upon@thestaffcollege.uk.