Secondment Programme

Secondments: Overview

Through the BLI^® secondment programme, successful applicants are placed in one-term to one-year secondments into middle or senior management posts (depending on their current level of responsibility/seniority) at a college, sector agency or related institution. This programme strengthens the professional portfolios of secondees and significantly increases opportunities for career progression.

Programme Coverage

The programme aims to match secondees to roles which will provide the additional, practical experience that they require in order to progress further in their career. In addition to line management support within the role, secondees will receive further support during their secondment, in the form of an ‘in-house’ BLI^® trained mentor, who will be available to offer advice and guidance, as needed.

Outcomes

• Give participants the opportunity to acquire new and higher level skills and knowledge in a supported and 'minimal risk environment'
• Improve the confidence of participants so that they can operate at a higher level and be strong candidates for progression opportunities as they arise
• Provide an opportunity for the hosting organisation to evaluate the performance and potential of a participant in a higher level position
• Lead to the offer of a higher level position for the participant from the host organisation at the end of the secondment period
• Give participants the opportunity to evidnece their higher level skills and knowledge in future job application
• Create a visibility and personal profle within the sector and establish key contacts with senior managers and leaders
• Diversify teams

Approach

You apply directly to the BLI^®, identifying your areas of interest and objectives for the secondment. Please note your BLI^® application form will require a counter-signature from the Chief Executive/Principal of your home institution.

• We invite organisations to submit an application providing details of the secondment that they would like to host through the BLI^®.
• The BLI^® will then aim to match suitable candidates to the secondment, and subsequently arrange interviews with the host institution.
• If the host decides to offer the secondment to you, the BLI^® will liaise with you and your organisation to agree a suitable release date, and provide a secondment agreement, which acts as a legal contract for the duration of the secondment.
• A preliminary meeting is arranged with the host to agree objectives, mentoring, and review arrangements.
• During the secondment, the BLI^® will keep in contact with the secondee and the host, providing ongoing support for all parties.
• At the end of the secondment, you complete a questionnaire, and you attend a review session with other programme participants.

Participant Profile

These secondments are open to participants from all LSC-funded providers. Applicants are BAME staff who have some level of management responsibility in organisations within the learning & skills sector.

Duration

Depending on availability of opportunities and your needs, we can arrange secondments for one-term up to one-year, with any willing and approved organisation in the learning & skills sector.

Fees

Funding from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service is available for participants from LSC-funded providers.

To find out more about our bespoke programmes for organisations and individuals call us on 01902 428 528 or email lesleyb@nbp.org.uk

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