Next Generation Leaders

We’ve partnered with Solace to provide an Institute of Leadership and Management Certificated course for next generation leaders in the housing sector. It’s part of our £200,000 a year investment in people through our Prospects programme.

Each cohort will benefit from a four module programme which explores the role of leadership in delivering change. Delegates benefit from growing their network of likeminded colleagues from different housing providers in a supportive environment.

The course is open to colleagues working within registered providers and both Members and Guests are able to apply. Candidates must be existing managers – which means they’re either managing people or non-staff resources with full responsibility / accountability.

When joining the cohort you’ll commit to a 4 module, 8-day classroom-based course. We’ll run a kickstart meeting online before the first module so that delegates can get to know each other. It will also include additional coursework-based activity outside of working hours.

• Module 1 Leadership and Change: Exploring the role of leadership in delivering change
• Module 2 Strategic Thinking: Thinking about the future and generating unique insights and opportunities
• Module 3 Working Collaboratively Across Organisations: How to establish a common purpose, a strong insistence n a whole systems approach and shared power to stimulate change
• Module 4 Coaching for High Performance: A coaching style of managing

Along with the completing the leadership programme you’ll receive the following:

• An Institute of Leadership and Management Certificate in Leadership from Solace.
• Support from us at SEC and recognition of your participation – we’ll promote your cohort on our website and social media channels.
• If you are not already a CIH Member, we’ll also fund one year of Membership for you.
• You’ll be part of a new wave of aspiring leaders – and will gain access to our Next Generation Leaders Alumni Network.

But don’t just take our word for it…hear from our past delegates! 

• “I found the whole set-up and the way in which sessions were laid out to be incredibly useful, as they immersed you in the subject matter and made all the work and learning a collaborative affair.  The cohort I was with were brilliant.  Everyone was engaged, open in their discussions, and really got involved in the exercises.  Andrew, the trainer was fantastic, couldn’t have asked for better; he has a way of drawing you in to become really interested in the subject matter and to allow you to develop your own skills without making it about him and what he is doing.  All in all, I learnt a lot from this course, from opening my mind to a systems-based approach, understanding political awareness, and people and change management, to even just having made some good connections whom I am sure I will stay in touch with and have already benefitted from knowing.” – Christopher Wade, Head of Housing Solutions, Thurrock Council 

• “I believe the program provided me with the tools, knowledge, and support that I needed to become a more effective leader and has enabled me to make a bigger impact on the issues that matter most to me. I have also been able to practically implement many sections of the course content into my current role too, so whilst I gained effective and in-depth theoretical knowledge about becoming a great leader, I have witnessed a valuable practical benefit too!” – Dave O’Toole, Head of Customer Services, Origin Housing

• “I found the next generation leaders programme to be beneficial in both my professional and personal development. It’s helped me develop my strategic thinking, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills, as well as understanding the principles of effective change management, political awareness, and collaborative working. Being part of this programme has also grown my professional network and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in better understanding leadership.”- Merle Murray, Development Manager, Golding Homes

We’re now closed for nominations for our next cohort. We’ll be opening nominations again early 2025.

We’re now closed for nominations for our next cohort. We’ll re-open ahead of the next round in early 2025.

Candidates will need to submit the following:

1. A CV outlining your experience.
2. A personal statement (of no more than two sides) that tells us:
   • Why you want to join the programme
   • What you will bring to the group
   • How you think you would benefit from the experience at this point in your career.
3. A letter of recommendation from a senior manager within your organisation who will act as your sponsor on the programme.

Please email your application to learning@solace.org.uk. Please include “SEC Next Generation Leaders Application” in your subject line.

SEC Members are able to nominate one colleague per year to complete the programme for free. You can view our current members here. 

If your organisation would like to nominate an additional colleague then the cost is £750 + VAT.

Are you a non-member? Then you’re still able to nominate a colleague. The cost is £750 + VAT per delegate.