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Work Shadowing Programme

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The work shadowing programme is delivered by the NBP in partnership with the Centre for Excellence in Leadership.

Work Shadowing: Overview

Through the BLI work shadowing programme, participants have the opportunity to undertake a placement at a college, sector agency or related institution. The knowledge gained from a work shadowing placement can then be applied to both organisational and career development issues. Recent participants have benefited from shadowing at the Department, Learning & Skills Councils, other colleges, and very significantly, many BME staff have shadowed Ofsted HMIs on ‘live’ inspections.

Programme Coverage

The programme aims to match shadows to those opportunities which will provide most practical benefits to them in terms of their career development and progression. Additionally, shadows are offered the opportunity to be matched with a mentor after they have completed their shadowing placement, who can provide one-to-one guidance and coaching support, and work with the shadow to reflect on their placement experience, as well as focusing on their career development and aspirations moving forward.

Approach

You apply directly to the BLI, identifying your areas of interest and objectives for the shadowing experience. Please note your BLI application form will require a counter-signature from the Chief Executive/Principal of your organisation.
Applicants are expected to attend a briefing session to find out more about the opportunities, arrangements, and expectations.
The BLI will then aim to match suitable candidates to the shadowing opportunities that are available.
At the end of the shadowing experience, you complete a questionnaire, and you attend a review session with other programme participants.

Outcomes

The opportunity to widen the range of professional development experience through a short-term commitment.
Gain valuable perspectives about the policy drivers for sector bodies such as the Department, LSC, and Ofsted.
Learn from the management skills practiced by senior managers working in the sector.
Gain insights into the strategies and practices of other colleges and institutions.
Increased confidence in own practice can help shadows to successfully apply for promotion.
Great networking opportunities.

Participant Profile

These shadowing opportunities are open to participants from all LSC-funded providers. Applicants are BME staff who have some level of team leadership or management responsibility in organisations within the learning & skills sector.

Duration

Depending on availability of opportunities and your needs, we can arrange shadowing for up to 5 days, with any willing and approved organisation in the learning & skills sector.

Fee

There is no charge for this programme. In addition, we have a certain amount of additional funding for participants to partially cover travel and accommodation costs (contribution to be agreed with the BLI).

Programme Lead

Bobby Upple (NBP/BLI).

Testimonials:

"The Ofsted inspection shadowing experience has given me the confidence to be able to contribute more significantly in SMT meetings in terms of curriculum matters with a confidence that I didn’t have before and also with curriculum managers at the college."

Gary Chinn Vice Principal North East Surrey College of Technology

In partnership with

Tel: 01902 715 309 | Fax: 01902 426 378 | Email: enq@nbm.org.uk

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