About the programme
Future Leaders of Nottingham is a professional development programme for ambitious people who work in Nottinghamshire.
Applications are welcome from people working in any business in any sector - private, public and voluntary – bringing different organisations together to share experiences and best practice.
To make leadership in Nottinghamshire more diverse and representative, we’re specially interested in applications from people who are Black, Asian or other ethnic minorities, people living with a disability, or people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or other gender or sexual identities.
Background
On 27 October 2014, 70 representatives from private, public and voluntary sector organisations came together to launch Future Leaders of Nottingham – to improve diversity and representation in leadership across the city.
The programme was developed in response to the Citywide Positive Action Study 2014, which identified key gaps in diversity at board and senior management level.
Research by McKinsey shows that organisations with a gender-diverse board are 15% more likely to out-perform their peers financially, and those with an ethnically-diverse board 35% more likely.
“I’m impressed with the impact the programme is making on individuals and our city. I’m committed to equality of opportunity and this is what Future Leaders is all about. It equips those who have leadership potential with all the tools and contacts they need to succeed.”
Michael Henry Director - Communuties IncWho are we?
Future Leaders of Nottingham is run by a group of leading employers committed to improving inequality and under-representation at senior levels – coordinated by The Renewal Trust.
Stonewall recently named Nottingham City Homes, Nottingham City Council, and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in their list of the Top 100 employers in 2019 - for achieving acceptance without limitations for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
“Futures has had a number of people go through the programme who have enormously benefited; developing an understanding of their potential to influence change. The programme is not only beneficial to those in the public and voluntary sectors but to any business looking to develop their people.”
Liz Walters Professional Development Manager Futures“The Future Leaders of Nottingham programme has provided staff with the confidence to aspire to senior positions and importantly, to be themselves. We would recommend any organisation looking to deal with similar challenges to become a partner on the programme.”
Giles Matsell Head of Equality and Diversity Nottingham University Hospitals NHS TrustWhat to expect
Building a community of practice moving towards a community of in influence
This programme isn’t a ticket to an automatic promotion, but it is a fast- track to being ready to progress in your career. Many of the Future Leaders have used the skills and experience the programme has given them as a springboard to more senior roles, board positions and further training.
Grow your confidence
Future Leaders address imposter syndrome from the word go and give you techniques to master self-confidence throughout the programme.
Open new doors
They’ll keep you informed of opportunities to attend events, conferences and training. In 2018, they took five Future Leaders to Liverpool, to represent us at the National Diversity Awards.
They invite their Future Leaders to join their Steering Group and help shape the direction of the programme, and train them as assessors to select applicants in future years.
Build your network
Not only will you work with 15+ peers on the programme, you’ll also join an alumni network of people who actively share opportunities and continue to support each other – year after year.
“I have been involved in the Future Leaders of Nottingham programme for two years as a facilitator and assessor. The ‘Personal Brand’ masterclass that I deliver helps people build their confidence, recognise their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss these in a supportive learning environment. It’s interactive and fun too!”
Adrian Bennett Director of Broadwater TrainingWhat’s in it for employers?
A great return on investment
Future Leaders is a great way to support professional development and nurture new talent and new perspectives in organisations. Encouraging people to become more connected and better equipped with leadership skills has a ripple e ect beyond the individual. Therefore, organisations are likely to see a positive change in their Future Leaders, even before the programme is complete.
How employers benefit:
Improved staff retention, motivation, participation, confidence and take- up of opportunities.
A more effective workplace with managers leading in a person-centred way, able to informally coach staff and self-reflect on their performance.
A more inclusive workforce at all levels of the organisation.
A great way to grow a talent pipeline of people ready to take the next step.
Future-focused employees with an awareness of corporate strategy and big-picture thinking.
Positive results and best practice more likely to be shared across teams.
“Nottingham’s population is becoming more diverse. Nottingham City Homes has recognised that workforce representation has not kept up, particularly at decision-making levels. Leadership diversity is vital for decision making that understands changing customer and employee demographics and helps us retain existing employees in under-represented groups. Our employees on this programme have re ned skills that are needed at board level and in senior management, widening our talent pool for future recruitment.”
Anita Hodson Equality and Diversity Manager Nottingham City HomesYou can find what the programme involves, understanding Nottingham and so much more! Follow the Future Leader Brochure 2019 link and see what the programme has to offer.
