Major employers in Calderdale launch partnership to develop leadership talent

John Rees, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College; Michelle Smith, Future Leaders Programme Manager; Cllr Dot Foster, Mayor of Calderdale

Major employers within Calderdale are working in collaboration to develop the next generation of leaders in the district.

Covea Insurance, West Yorkshire Police, Calderdale College, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, Calderdale Council, Together Housing, Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust have sent their aspiring leaders on a journey to leadership excellence, where they will benefit from cutting-edge training methods whilst working towards an accredited leadership and management qualification.

This innovative new scheme is the first of its kind in the region and is launched by Rise, Calderdale College’s skills service for employers. It has been specifically designed to equip managers across the borough with the tools they need to drive high performance.

During the programme, the future leaders will take advantage of a number of masterclasses and seminars featuring specialist keynote speakers from a variety of industries across Calderdale, and receive support from like-minded people who will help them develop skills, knowledge and understanding of how to inspire and lead others.

At the end of the 24-month course, leaders will emerge with the skills to thrive in their roles and be ready to play their part in building a greater Calderdale.

Michelle Smith, Future Leaders Programme Manager at Calderdale College, said: “It’s great to see people from major organisations within Calderdale, including our own, come together and share their experiences.

“The programme will take the participants out of their comfort zones, as they try different leadership methods, grow in confidence and become the best leaders they can be.”

Craig Hill, Halifax and Illingworth Station Manager at the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I’m really excited to be taking part in this programme which is a great example of collaborative working in Calderdale. The programme will take me into different sectors, giving me a good understanding of other working practices and techniques. I think it will be really useful to see various leadership styles and meet other people on a similar journey to me.”

To find out more visit: https://www.calderdale.ac.uk/employers/the-future-leaders-programme/