First Time Leadership for Success

This programme has been designed by sector experts to enable organisations to build their talent pipeline by accelerating the leadership development of new and recently appointed leaders. The programme focuses on introductory core leadership skills, confidence, and understanding to enable first-level leaders to have a successful start to their new leadership careers.

The programme will also provide new leaders opportunities to share their experiences and learning with peers from across sector organisations. They will build new supportive networks and have the opportunity to reflect on their individual progress with colleagues.

This programme has been designed for new and recently appointed leaders. Delegates will typically be in their first leadership position in the Further Education and Skills sector. They will have new leadership responsibilities, including leading people for the first time. Most importantly, they will have the support of their line managers to attend the programme.

• Three In-Person Modules
  A series of interactive, face-to-face sessions focused on key leadership, communication, and strategic thinking themes—designed to build confidence and capability through real-world discussion and practical application.

• Self-Development Project
  A personalised work-based initiative that enables participants to apply their learning reflect on their practice and drive meaningful impact in their current role or organisation.

• Psychometric Profiling
  In-depth individual analysis using a leading psychometric tool to support self-awareness, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of working styles and team dynamics.

• Location: Novotel Birmingham Centre
• Price: £625.00 (VAT included) per delegate
• Programme Dates:
•      Module One:
•      Module Two:
•      Module Three:

Paul Wakeling

Paul has over twenty years of experience as a senior leader, including as Principal/CEO of a successful college. He now works across sectors supporting organisational improvement. Paul attended ‘Chaos, Conflict and Crisis at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and, in return, embedded ideas of adaptive leadership into his practice. He has worked as an Associate for Warwick Business School, contributing to programmes for the Cabinet Office. He has published his ideas on leadership and learning in Wakeling, P. & Mackay, F. Leading & Learning in Challenging Circumstances in Challenging Professional Learning, ed. Crowley, S. Oxon. Routledge, 2014.’

Dame Sally Dicketts DBE

Dame Sally DBE is one of the Further Education and Skills sector’s most recognised leadership experts. As the former CEO of Activate Learning, she grew one of the largest education groups in the country. Through her current work as a leadership development trainer, coach and Non-Executive Director, she is recognised as a leading developer of people and cultures. Dame Sally DBE is currently Chair of the sexual health charity Brooke. She chairs Learning with Parents and also sits on the Boards of the University of Bradford and Royal Holloway University.