Since June 2015, 1000 people from across government have taken part in the Project Leadership Programme run on behalf of the IPA at Cranfield University, supported by PA Consulting and The Project Academy.
The programme is designed to raise project leadership capability in government to support policy delivery across a wide range of activities, from infrastructure and IT to transformation projects. To date, this has involved 23 cohorts with participants from over 30 ministries, departments and arm’s length bodies with over 500 participants already having graduated.
The programme runs over twelve months and contains a package of development activities. These range from face to face teaching run at Cranfield to online content, specific electives (such as Agile and Transformation) and coaching provided by PA Consulting and The Project Academy. The programme provides great opportunities for peer to peer learning and networking as well as the opportunity to apply the learning back in the workplace. Participants are also required to undertake two 360 degree feedback exercises for personal development, complete two assignments focusing on their work and a reflection on the learning with their Head of Profession to complete the programme.
The programme is building a whole cadre of project professionals across government. Individual participants find it develops their skills and confidence and departments confirm this and report specific examples of cost savings in projects. The government’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority believe it is creating the key leadership capability they need to support the delivery of major projects in these uncertain times.
The programme is strongly support by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority. All participants have to be nominated by their Heads of Profession and further information about applying can be found here.
