Strategic Management and Leadership Practice Programme
Gain knowledge, skills and behaviours to drive business activities in a senior management and leadership role
Explore management techniques to deliver ethical impact
Do you have responsibility for HR, team management, projects, operations and/or services to deliver organisational success? Want to take the next step in management?
This fully funded (free) course is suitable if you:
Wish to develop management and leadership competencies
Are able to attend all 10 module dates
Have agreement from your employer
Each programme cohort has limited availability (max 10 places) and are allocated first come first served. Next 10-week cohort runs 5 March - 7 May 2025.
You do not have to be in a management and leadership position to undertake this course. It is also aimed as those aspiring to move into senior roles.
Timetable for next cohort
All workshops are 3 hours, running from 10.00-13.00. Majority of sessions are in-person at Novotel Long Eaton, with a few modules delivered online. Refreshments (not lunch) are provided. You need to be able to attend all session dates.
Module aims and outcomes
Week 1 The Purpose and Impact of Effective Strategic Leadership
To develop an in-depth understanding of strategic leadership within an organisational context. Leaders will explore the complexities of the role and the theoretical perspectives, approaches, behaviours and skills which can enhance their professional practice. The unit focuses on the leader’s ability to respond creatively to complex organisational challenges and understand how to set and deliver sustainable strategic goals.
Week 2 Personal and Professional Development Maps for Strategic Leaders
To understand approaches to personal and professional development. Leaders will critically reflect on the interrelationship between the skillset and mindset to develop as a strategic leader. Vitally leaders will reflect on their own personal, interpersonal and professional competencies and behaviours to lead strategically. The opportunity for leaders to reflect on their own performance will equip them to develop a meaningful personal and professional development plan.
Week 3 Leading and Developing People to Optimise Performance
To develop an in-depth understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people. They will explore the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, development and design, policy and strategy that can be used creatively within the leadership role. Ultimately, leaders will have the opportunity to propose a leadership and development strategy. The aim of which values people whilst optimising an organisation’s performance.
Week 4 Collaboration and Partnerships
To understand collaborative and partnership arrangements. Leaders will critically assess the scope and value of these, as well as evaluating the impact of organisational and legal frameworks on how these arrangements are delivered. The unit culminates in the requirement for the leader to present a rationale for collaboration or partnerships to further an organisation’s success.
Week 5 Understanding and Leading Strategic Change
To understand the scope, context and complexity of leading strategic change. Leaders will understand how the application of analytical techniques, theories and models of change, and creative problem-solving can be used to equip them to lead strategic change with confidence. The unit culminates in giving leaders the opportunity to develop a proposal to lead a strategic change.
Week 6 Finance for Strategic Leaders
To understand the scope, complexity and role of Finance within an organisational context. Leaders will know how to critically assess methods for analysing financial data and information required to make strategic decisions. Ultimately, the aim of this unit is to equip leaders to be more confident in their understanding of the Finance function.
Week 7 Strategic Approaches to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
To develop an in-depth understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level. Leaders will have the opportunity to critically assess structural inequality within an organisational and societal context. They will discuss approaches to comply with legal and good practice requirements and to appraise the influence of equality, diversity and inclusion on strategic objectives. The unit culminates in leaders being given the opportunity to develop strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Week 8 Strategic Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing
To understand the impact of mental health and wellbeing on organisational performance. Leaders will critically assess the complexities of managing wellbeing and will appraise contemporary approaches for the creation of healthy work systems. The unit culminates in leaders being given the opportunity to propose a series of recommendations to create and sustain a positive culture of mental health and wellbeing within an organisational context.
Week 9 Coaching Skills for Leaders
Coaching is a powerful learning and development tool. Used effectively, it is able to optimise individual and team performance and the achievement of organisational goals. Coaching has rapidly become an essential leadership tool. It enables the professional manager and leader to support, motivate and empower individuals and teams in a conversational and insightful way. This contrasts with and complements the use of traditional directive leadership approaches.