Membership

Main menu

About us

Main menu

Frameworks

Electronic payment services

Main menu

Training & events

Main menu

News & insights

Next generation leaders

Alongside our yearly training programme we’re also dedicated to supporting a wave of housing and asset leaders that will fill our board rooms in the future. 

Hero image v2
IMG Flexible Direct Award 2025 05 27 145348 jbcp Stair pattern

We’ve partnered with Real World Group to provide an Institute of Leadership approved course for next generation leaders in the housing sector. It’s part of our £300,000 a year investment in people through our training programme. 

Each cohort will benefit from a four-module programme which explores the role of leaders in delivering change, strategic thinking, collaborative leadership and coaching for high performance. Delegates also 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 can apply. Candidates must be existing managers – which means they’re either managing people or non-staff resources with full responsibility and accountability. Applicants should be aspiring to progress to a senior leadership role in the sector in the future. 

What will I learn?

When joining the cohort you’ll commit to a 4 module, 8-day programme delivered through both online and in-person sessions. 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 on a whole systems approach and shared power to stimulate change
  • Module 4 Coaching for High Performance: A coaching style of managing teams through change 

What are the benefits?

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

  • An Institute of Leadership approved certificate from Real World Group
  • 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 should you wish to access their mentoring offer
  • You’ll be part of a new wave of aspiring leaders – and will gain access to our Next Generation Leaders Alumni Network 

Dates for our 2026 Cohorts

Cohort 10  

Nominations Open: 07/04/26  

Close: 15/05/26  

  • Introduction session: 3rd June - Online
  • Module 1: 8th & 9th June - In person (London)
  • Module 2: 9th & 10th September - Online  
  • Module 3: 18th & 19th November - Online  
  • Module 4: 13th & 14th January - In person  (London)

Cohort 11

Nominations Open: 15/06/26

Close: 31/07/26 

  • Introduction session: 2nd September  - Online
  • Module 1: 23rd & 24th September - In person  (London)
  • Module 2: 4th & 5th November - Online
  • Module 3: 20th & 21st January - Online 
  • Module 4: 3rd & 4th March - In person  (London)

How do I nominate?

We’re now open for nominations until 15th May.

Candidates will need to submit the following:

  1. A CV outlining your experience
  2. A personal statement (of no more than 600 words) that tells us:
  • What draws you to senior leadership, and what kind of leader do you hope to become? (300 words)
  • Why is now the right time for you to participate in this programme? (150 words)
  • What qualities, experiences, or insights would you bring that could enrich the group’s learning? (150 words)
  • Confirmation that you can attend all the advertised dates for the cohort you are applying for (if you have holidays or other commitments booked which clash please apply for a later cohort). 

3. A letter of recommendation from a senior manager within your organisation who will act as your sponsor on the programme, stating why you have been identified as a potential senior leader 

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

What does it cost?

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 £950 + VAT.

Are you a non-member? Then you’re still able to nominate a colleague. The cost is £950 + VAT per delegate.

Stay in the loop

Be the first to hear about our upcoming events and all our latest news by signing up to our fortnightly newsletter.

Join our subscribers list
Housing professionals cta