A key factor underpinning the motivation behind the partnership was that it should be concerned with development, rather than simply a series of one-off training "events". For many partners, the importance of being able to apply or link the theoretical input to practice, leading to either demonstrable business improvement or evidence of improved management practice, was fundamental.

Representatives from each of the Partners meet as a managing Committee on a regular basis to review all aspects of the programmes and of candidate progress.

The Programmes

Working closely together, the Partners have built two bespoke programmes. Throughout each programme, candidates are encouraged to analyse their own management style, attitudes and behaviour and to compare these with the requirements of their present jobs and career development plans. Each programme is formally accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI):

An entry level programme designed to provide first-line managers with the practical skills and the underpinning knowledge needed to lead effective teams, understand the broader business context of their management task and, ultimately, build a successful career in management.

An intermediate programme designed to enable the operational manager to improve his/her success through the optimum utilisation of resources, effective communication and team development.

Benefits to Candidates and Their Organisation

The Partnership is unique, in bringing together a range of different industry perspectives in order to provide a rich and challenging learning environment. The benefits of this approach to candidates and their organisation are significant. In particular, candidates will:

Become more skilled and effective managers with evidence of their competence endorsed by the acquisition of a recognised management qualification

Broaden their views and management style through exposure to other cultures and approaches

Be able to assess, adapt and adopt best practices with a view to improving their own, their team’s and their company’s performance

Be able to compare and contrast core management models and generic competencies against a variety of working practices

Gain practical insights, by working with delegates from other companies and industries, learning from the successes (and mistakes) they might choose to share

Gain confidence by validating their own abilities and learning through peer support and coaching feedback

Be able to bench-mark their own abilities against other first-line managers.

Special Learning Features

Each Programme utilises a broad range of learning approaches to accommodate individual preferences and needs and to make for an enjoyable experience.

During the programme, candidates will learn through:

Workshop participation (typically in groups of c.12 people)*

Formal presentations

Group discussions

Action Learning Sets – exercises carried out in small groups (typically of 6 people) where the "real life" work scenarios and situations that you bring with you are used as vehicles for learning

Reading from the recommended book list

Reflecting upon how to apply new ideas and approaches back at work

*Maintaining small programme sizes provides more scope for meaningful interaction between candidates themselves and between participants and the Carlton Stewart team.

You are also encouraged to learn from the other managers on your programme by sharing ideas and experiences.

Personal support and honest feedback reinforce all these activities.

Finally, we help candidates build practical, personal plans to sustain their continuous professional development.

After the programme, this approach helps them to continue to put their learning into practice. The emphasis on applicability, relevance and action planning supports the implementation of practical initiatives leading to positive outcomes.

Many participants keep in touch with the valuable network of contacts they make during the programme so that they can continue to share information and to offer support and advice.

Programme Structure

This is based upon a fundamental belief that learning is an on-going process. Each programme is designed as a 12 or 18 month development experience and includes:

An Assessment "Gateway"

Training Modules

Action Learning – Action Learning Sets / Business Improvement Project / Placements (as appropriate to each candidates personal objectives)

Personal Development Plan and Objectives (agreed with the candidates Line Manager)

Follow-up, Coaching, On-the-job Mentoring (as defined and agreed in the candidates Personal Development Plan)

Development Reviews (with the candidates Line Manager)

Final Reviews and future planning

Venues

The modular workshops and Action Learning Sets utilise the on-site training facilities at the Herts Partnership companies on a rotating basis. In this way, candidates gain valuable experience in the variety of different company cultures first hand. In addition, the locality of the Programmes provides the added benefit of immediate accessibility, eradicating problems of travel and nights away .

Accreditation

Each Programme is formally accredited and candidates will work towards the achievement of either the Level 3 Diploma in First Line Management & Leadership or the Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership. These qualifications are widely regarded as benchmark standards for managers. Their award will be based upon evidence of development in the workplace through the practical application of programme learning and the assessment of assignments/projects.

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