GCS Impact and Inspire development programmes launch today

15 Apr 2019 01:28 PM

Applications are now open for the Impact and Inspire accelerated development programmes. Both programmes are open to GCS members. The closing date for applications is 8 May 2019.

Members of Early Talent cohort 4 at a resilience session

The purpose of the GCS talent programmes is to develop exceptional communications practitioners and to establish a strong pipeline for future leaders in government communications.

GCS is launching new versions of the programmes, making them shorter bringing in more professional rigour.

Alex Aiken, Executive Director of Government Communication, said:

“As head of profession, I am committed to continually raising the standards of our talent programmes to ensure we are able to meet the challenges I set the profession earlier this year. The changes to both programmes reflect the need for a strong talent pipeline and to quickly get people to where we want them to be.”

Impact

Impact is an accelerated development programme for very high potential IOs and high potential SIOs leading to a new accredited postgraduate qualification.

Impact will run over 12 months and offer a concentrated development experience, designed to accelerate professional progression. The programme focuses on building leadership capability and developing strategic thinking. Participants will also benefit from coaching, mentoring and action learning.

Inspire

Inspire is an accelerated development programme for high potential grade 6 and 7 communications professionals.

Inspire has been designed to include a wide range of development interventions, with quarterly core learning modules supported by mentoring, coaching, masterclasses, tailored training and support in career planning.

We have shortened the programme to 15 months and successful completion leads to a Diploma in Strategic Communication Leadership from the University of Huddersfield with the opportunity to continue to a Masters.

For more information on what you will learn on the Inspire programme, read Sasha Fuller’s blog. Sasha, a participant on Inspire cohort 4, is continuing her professional development and working towards a Masters.

How to apply

Application guidance, forms and programme information have been sent to Development Advisors and Directors of Communication. To apply, please speak to your Development Advisor.

There is also information in the GCS Accelerated Development Brochure.