Leaders launch course for stars of the future

TWO of the region’s leading figures from the worlds of business and academia today officially unveiled North East England’s first ever dedicated leadership degree course.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), and Professor Graham Henderson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Teesside, cut the ribbon on an initiative aimed at developing talented leaders of the future.

The course – which offers a practical, hands-on approach to leadership and management – has proved an instant hit and was over-subscribed even before its official launch.

Mr Ramsbotham said: “Leadership is vital for the growth of any business or organisation and will be the lynch-pin in the future success of the North East as a region.

“NECC is keen to take its own leadership role in providing a platform for potential leaders to learn the skills needed to make a real difference.

“The beauty of the course devised with the University of Teesside is that it has a real practical edge and will give participants practical advice that they can take back to help improve their companies.”

Nigel Evans, Dean of Teesside Business School at the University of Teesside, said: “We have an excellent track record in developing employer-led learning and supporting emerging business leaders. Good leadership needs to be demonstrated at all levels of organisations and is vital in delivering regional growth.

“So the University and its business school are delighted to be working closely with NECC and their members to run this new programme. It contains a number of highly innovative features that have been developed through a true partnership of education and business and will encourage best practice to be widely disseminated.”

The Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management was established in response to continuous feedback from NECC members that the lack of trained leaders was one of the biggest issues affecting their future growth. The course consists of two-day master classes, supported by in-work assignments and learning that add practical improvements to any business. Twelve modules will run in Newcastle, Durham and Middlesbrough so that businesses across the North East can benefit. Each completed module will accrue credits towards the degree. Delegates can attend the whole degree or simply a set of master class modules.

Mr Evans explained: “The programme is delivered through short blocks at convenient locations with participants completing the qualification within 24 months. However, a flexible approach allows students to ‘step on and step off’ if they need to and managers can join at any time in the year.”

The leadership degree had its first intake in January and the course is practical and suitable for any junior or middle managers, particularly those whose skills and experience are not yet recognised by a degree award. The course can be run on company premises, provided a minimum of 25 delegates is assured.

For more information regarding the course, or to enrol for the next intake, contact NECC director of training and workforce development Karen Brown on 0191 386 1133 or e-mail karen.brown@necc.co.uk

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