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Leaders

The New Directors Programme

For
Directors of children's services
Duration
12 months
Time commitment
No mandatory time commitment
Cost

Free except for travel for residentials

Delivered by

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

Who it’s for

The New Directors Programme is for local authority directors of children's services (DCS) who are new to their role.

What you’ll learn

This programme will help you better understand your new role and give you the tools, networks and confidence to succeed. It covers themes including:

  • personal leadership qualities and resilience
  • navigating political and corporate contexts
  • being an effective leader in challenging situations
  • delivering innovation and change

What you’ll get

You’ll get: 

  • access to professional networks that will help you during the programme and beyond 
  • access to learning resources including guides, videos and blogs from successful leaders 
  • formative assessments including 360 feedback and an optional coaching offer 

How it’s delivered

The programme runs for 12 months from the day you start your new role. 

Learning content is tailored around the needs, skills and experience of participants. The programme is taught in-person and online, including: 

  • 3 residential events at a hotel in Birmingham 
  • monthly 2-hour online learning sessions 
  • one-to-one calls 
  • the option of coaching and mentoring 

There is no mandatory time commitment but you’re encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible. This will enable you to get the most out of the programme. 

Funding

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

Accommodation and meals for the residentials are included but your employer will need to cover the travel costs.

Next steps

There is no application process for the New Directors Programme. You’ll be automatically enrolled as soon as you start in your new post.

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