Member Article

Region's leadership enhanced by degrees

The North East Chamber of Commerce is to become more involved in developing the future leaders of the region by teaming up with member businesses and the University of Teesside to establish the first fully accredited foundation degree in leadership in the North East. The Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management will offer a wide range of practical tools and techniques which managers can use in their workplaces to get the most out of their own performance and that of their staff.

Karen Brown, NECC director of training and workplace development, said: “The degree is designed to develop managers into leaders and will greatly benefit businesses looking to invest in improving their middle-management staff. “The practical approach is designed to make a real difference in the day-to-day performance of managers. “Too many degree courses are not feasible for hard-working managers, but this one is practical and designed for a ‘step on, step off’ approach.”

NECC say that they established the course in response to continuous feedback from its members that the lack of trained leaders was one of the biggest issues affecting their future growth. The latest findings for NECC’s quarterly economic survey, the North East Business Barometer, showed that respondents rated ‘finding suitably qualified staff’ as the most important single factor in the future success of their business.

Nigel Evans, Dean of Teesside Business School at the University of Teesside, said: “Teesside has an excellent track record in developing employer-led learning and supporting the business leaders of tomorrow. So we are delighted to be working closely with NECC and their members to develop and run this new course. “The foundation degree can be completed within 24 months and is very flexible. Participants will be able to ‘step on and step off’ if they need to and will gain a recognised academic qualification that enhances their professional education and develops their skills as leaders and managers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .