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Apply for the Future Leaders Programme

RCOT
15 March 2023

Through our membership of the Allied Health Professions Federation (AHPF), we’re offering three fully funded places for RCOT members to take part in the Future Leaders Programme. Run by the British Dietetic Association (BDA), this award winning programme is also open to occupational therapists and other allied health professionals.

About the programme

Leadership development for professional association leaders is rare. This unique programme, approved by the Institute for Leadership and Management offers a valuable opportunity to learn how to be an effective volunteer within an association.  

Professional associations are led (governed) through formal structures made up of members and non-members who provide strategic leadership and direction. It’s widely recognised that diversity at the most senior levels of organisations helps improve the way they’re run and managed. Increasing diversity within the governance of professional associations (Council/Boards/Committees) is essential to stay informed and responsive. Boards whose members have different backgrounds and experience are more likely to encourage debate and make better decisions. We value the diversity of our membership and we strongly encourage applications from all sections of our community, especially those from under-represented groups.
 

Aim of the programme

To ensure that future association leaders have an opportunity to learn in a multi professional environment and are supported to govern and lead their association with vision and courage.

Learning outcomes

The programme doesn’t have any formal assessment, but after completing it you’ll:

  • understand the principles of good governance and be able to apply these principles in leadership roles
  • have an understanding of the legal and regulatory system governing associations and the legal function of the director or trustee, other appointed roles and volunteer leadership roles in ensuring good governance and leadership of an association
  • be able to competently act as a director or trustee in developing and leading the strategy, corporate ethics and culture of an association
  • understand association structures and delegation, roles, responsibilities and accountability of directors or trustees, volunteers and staff and be able to apply this knowledge to amplify the impact of an association
  • understand the financial management principles and functions of a director or trustee and be able to apply this by having oversight and managing financial and other risks
  • understand and be able to demonstrate leadership within association governance structures
  • be aware of your own leadership qualities and be actively developing these
  • understand your own strengths and continuing development needs against a framework for director/trustee capabilities
  • have the competency and confidence to apply for leadership roles.
 

By taking part in the programme you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

  • a unique multi-association approach which will bring you into contact with a peer network from across the association sector
  • a dedicated and protected online forum specifically for your cohort
  • short sessions and a flexible approach
  • support of dedicated and specialist governance trainers and facilitators
  • mentoring and ongoing personal development
  • 12 months free membership of the Institute of Leadership and Management, which brings access to a wealth of leadership and management resources
  • small cohorts with dedicated learning opportunities.

How to apply

We’re inviting you to apply for the second intake of 2023. To apply, please complete our application form by Monday 15 May 2023. We’ll share your responses to the following points with BDA:

  • Why you want to complete this programme, emphasising your interest in association governance roles.
  • How you’d like to contribute to your professional association, when you’ve completed the programme.
  • That you have support from your employer, or have a plan to be released from work to complete the sessions and participate fully.
  • How long you’ve been a member of RCOT.
Course dates for 2023 (subject to change and additional dates may be added):
EDI module:
  • 11 July
  • 6 October 
Finance module:
  • 27 September
Leadership and Professional Development module:
  • 29 November
For more information about the Future Leaders Programme, including content, 2023 course dates and costs, please download the guide.

If you have any queries, please contact Emma Grover, Professional Development Lead – prof.dev@rcot.co.uk.