Lead the way in Basingstoke and Deane
Great businesses need great leaders. As your organisation grows, so too does the need to move from doing the day-to-day work yourself to setting direction, developing people and bringing out the best in others. Whether you're a sole trader hiring your first employee, managing a growing team or looking to inspire the next generation of leaders, investing in leadership skills can help you make a positive impact on your organisation and on Basingstoke and Deane itself.
It's also important to consider how you learn best and how much time you can realistically commit. Whether you prefer short online courses, workshops, mentoring or longer development programmes, understanding your needs, learning style and availability will help you identify the opportunities that are most likely to deliver real value for you and your business.
SEEDL
Through our free learning and development platform, SEEDL, learners can access online leadership courses. These cover a range of topics such as Transitioning to a Leader, which supports people moving from individual contributor roles into leadership positions, and How to be a Motivating and Inspiring Leader, which focuses on building engaged, high-performing teams through effective leadership.
IncuHive business support
Funded through Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, The IncuHive Group offers free, hands-on support to local entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses across the borough. The programme includes workshops and one-to-one mentoring. Visit the IncuHive website to find out more and sign up to the programme.
Help to Grow: Management
Help to Grow: Management is a 12-week executive development programme designed for small business owners and senior leaders looking to improve business performance and unlock growth. Backed by the UK government and delivered by Small Business Charter-accredited business schools, the course helps participants develop strategic leadership and management skills, as well as the confidence and practical tools needed to drive change and adopt new ways of working. Locally this is delivered by Winchester University where learning is delivered through a mixture of online study and on-campus learning. With course start dates in September and December, plus the fees sponsored by the University of Winchester, it offers an accessible opportunity for SME leaders to invest in their business's future.
Team leading qualification
For those looking to gain a recognised qualification, Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) offers a Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading. The course covers leadership styles, team dynamics, communication, performance management, conflict resolution and developing positive working relationships, all providing a strong foundation for anyone looking to progress into supervisory or team-leading roles. This is a flexible learning course which allows you to study in your own time, whenever it is most convenient for you.
Professional bodies also provide valuable leadership and management development opportunities. Members of organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) can access leadership and management training designed to help professionals lead teams, influence change and develop strategic leadership skills. Meanwhile, organisations including the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) offer continuing professional development resources that help members strengthen the business, communication and leadership capabilities needed to progress their careers.
Other online training
The Open University offer a range of free leadership courses to help you lead effectively, manage teams and navigate complex workplace challenges. The Lloyds Bank Academy has a range of courses including those covering leadership. Those that work in the NHS can take advantage of the Leadership Academy Programmes.
Paid training
There are plenty of leadership and development trainers, mentors and coaches that can help you advance your career. Leadership coach and facilitator, Cath gave us some tips for businesses or individuals to consider if they are looking to pay for these services:
- Are you looking for a coach for individuals or are you looking for support for the whole leadership team. Many executive or leadership coaches also offer team coaching so it's worth thinking about what would suit you best. You may want the option of both.
- Recommendation is a good starting point. Talk to people in your network and find out who they have worked with and would recommend. You can also search for a coach through the Association for Coaching (AC) Directory, International Coaching Federation (ICF) or Directory of Executive Coaches (APECS)
- Arrange a free ‘no obligation’ conversation (often called a chemistry session) with the coaches you are considering and meet with more than one to compare. Prepare a few questions such as: previous experience, how they work, cost, typical length and number of coaching sessions. Consider whether this is someone you feel you and the team can connect with; are they asking questions that help you develop your own thinking and are they really listening to you and what you want?
By investing in your leadership journey, you're not only supporting your own career progression but helping to create a stronger, more resilient and more ambitious Basingstoke and Deane. Together, we can develop the talent, confidence and leadership needed to shape the future of our place.
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