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Leaders

The Aspirant Directors Programme

For
Assistant directors, strategic social workers
Duration
7 months
Time commitment
About 10 days
Cost

Free except for travel for residentials and optional accreditation

Delivered by

The Staff College, The Institute of Public Care, Skills for Care and GatenbySanderson

Who it’s for

The Aspirant Directors Programme is for leaders who aim to become directors of children’s services (DCS) in the next 3 years.

You should have at least 3 years’ senior leadership experience in local authority children’s services (equivalent to tier 2 or 3) or related sectors.

What you’ll learn

The programme will help you to fully understand the DCS role and equip you with the mindset, tools and confidence to succeed. It covers themes including:

  • building alliances and partnerships
  • working in political and corporate contexts
  • engaging communities
  • driving innovation and change

What you’ll get

You’ll get:

  • career advice and support and the ability to join a national peer network 
  • access to learning resources including guides, videos and blogs from successful leaders 
  • the option to gain formal academic accreditation and earn the Developing as a Leader award, worth 20 credits at postgraduate level 

How it’s delivered

The programme is taught over 8 days spread across 7 months. It takes place online and in-person. 

There are 2 residential events in Birmingham. The first residential event lasts 2 days and the second lasts 1.5 days. 

You’ll also take part in:

  • action learning to practise resolving workplace issues in a peer group setting
  • leadership challenge activities where you’ll apply your new learning to real workplace issues and reflect on what’s worked for you
  • learning visits where you’ll follow and observe leaders in other local authorities

Funding

The Aspirant Directors Programme is funded by the Department for Education.

Accommodation and meals for the on-site days are included but your employer will need to cover the travel costs.

There is also a fee if you want to take up optional accreditation at the end of the programme. 

Next steps

Speak to your line manager about getting support to do the Aspirant Directors Programme. 

Find out more about the Aspirant Directors Programme on the DCS website.