Key features of the programme

Cross-sector action learning

Action learning is an established method of developing leaders and is particulary well-suited to a cross-sector group. A wide diversity of participants from across the sectors is divided into action learning sets of six to eight people. The sets are professionally facilitated and meet for seven separate days over a 10 month period.

During this time participants:

• Share their business and career issues in confidence. Each participant is treated as an invaluable resource and is encouraged to share their own experiences and learning within the group.
• Gain fresh perspectives on common issues. Working with people from diverse backgrounds offers the opportunity to ask different and searching questions and enables participants to look at their own situations in new ways.
• Offer and receive constructive suggestions from other set members. The supportive yet challenging environment encourages a frank peer review of leadership styles. This enables participants to increase their self-awareness and challenge their own assumptions, patterns of working and the impact they have on others.

First-hand experience of other organisations

The majority of the learning set meetings are held at the participants' own organisations. Participants are encouraged to shadow each other and establish peer coaching relationships. The often build such a level of trust and understanding that they are able to have a practical impact on each others' operations and offer advice both individually and as a group.

Leadership insights

At intervals during the programme all the learning sets come together to:

• Learn from the leadership styles of high profile leaders through speaker sessions
• Explore issues that impact on all sectors and organisations
• Explore practical tools for enhancing their personal leadership style.