How much time will it take?
Our expectation is that everyone taking part in the Academy will be able to commit at least 5 hours a month across coaching and group sessions.
We know how busy people involved in Big Local are. So we have tried to create a balance between having enough time with you for the programme to be valuable, while not expecting too much.
In order to do that, we have designed the programme so that there are ‘required’ and ‘optional’ parts to it. We’ll be really clear where something is ‘optional’, which usually means something will be recorded and will therefore be available to watch back later, and where something is ‘required’, meaning you’ll need to take part if you want to benefit from the full programme experience.
People who complete the required programme will be offered a certificate which confirms and celebrates that they have fully taken part in the Academy. In order to complete the Academy you will need to complete 9 coaching sessions and take part in all the required parts of the programme between May 2021 and October 2022.
Is there a course timetable?
Unlike standard training programmes, the Community Leadership Academy will be tailored to suit the people taking part. This means participants will be regularly invited to share their ideas and suggestions about what they want to learn within the structure of the programme.
This structure will be split into 3 broad sections, and each will have a different focus:
The first will focus on you, your motivations, interests, skills, experiences, development areas, and what they might mean for your work in your community. This section will cover topics like wellbeing, an introduction to leadership styles, and self-reflection.
The second will focus on how you are working with other people, and will cover issues like communication, dealing with conflict, how to facilitate groups, and developing leadership in others.
And the third will look at the wider picture, covering issues like recruiting new people into your partnership, working with people outside your partnership, how you can work with local authorities, and looking at inspiring community-led change across the country.
There will be different kinds of group session over the course of the programme. The key ones are:
Core Workshops: in these sessions you will work with a group of around 25 people to explore some of the key issues and questions around community leadership. Led by the programme partnership team, these sessions will be run over Zoom and last 3 hours (with plenty of breaks!).
Masterclasses: these short sessions will be open to everyone on the Academy, and are focused on hearing from people with a particularly important perspective on a topic. They will be recorded so that you can catch up on them if you can’t attend at the time.
Connection Sessions: We will provide regular spaces for you to connect with, share with, and learn from, each other as Big Local leaders. These spaces will last a couple of hours, will take place over Zoom.
What you’ll need to take part
We want to make taking part in this programme as easy as possible. We know that some people may feel less confident taking part in something like this, but please rest assured we are on hand to support. Here’s what you’ll need to take part in the programme:
Access to the internet: Given the uncertainty with Covid-19, we’re planning to work with video and video-calling for much of the programme, so you’ll need to be able to get online.
Technology: you’ll need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone with a microphone and a video. We’d recommend you try and join with a computer, laptop or tablet if possible, as the bigger screen will make it easier for you.
Zoom: We’ll be using the video-calling platform Zoom, which is free to download, and is what we will use for all of the group sessions. You may also want to use this for your sessions with your coach. Instructions for how to use Zoom are available here, as part of Local Trust’s wider guidance on staying connected at the moment.
If you don’t currently have any or all of the above, or are worried about it, please do not let it stop you putting yourself forward. Please just let us know, as we are making sure support is available for all those interested in taking part.