CMI Level 3 Award and Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership

CMI Level 3 Award in First Line Management and Leadership 

Learners must complete at least one unit to a minimum of 50 TQT hours, 5 credits to achieve this qualification.

CMI Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership 

Learners must complete any combination of units to a minimum of 130 TQT hours, 13 credits to achieve this qualification.

Unit summaries

Click on the links below to read more about the units that are available for the CMI Level 3 First Line Management and Leadership.

Unit 330 – Organisational Awareness For First Line Managers

All organisations have a unique structure, character and culture. Without developing an awareness into how an organisation operates, it is challenging to lead and manage people effectively.

Awareness begins with an understanding of the way different organisations are structured, as well as how they are influenced by culture, values and ethics.

On successful completion of the unit, First Line Managers will understand

• the role of an organisation’s strategic business plan, and
• how they can contribute to the organisation’s success.

Unit 331 – Approaches To Managing And Leading People And Teams

An effective First Line Manager is equipped with the knowledge skills and behaviours to engage, motivate and inspire people and teams.

This is underpinned by an understanding of how to manage and lead people, in a way that not only provides clear direction, but recognises and responds to individual needs and aspirations through the promotion of equity, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.

On successful completion of the unit, First Line Managers will have developed an understanding of

• management and leadership theory and styles
• the practical methods that can be employed to lead people and teams with impact.

Unit 332 – Stakeholder Communication For First Line Managers

Effective communication is a theme that runs through all management and leadership practice. It supports the development of stakeholder relationships, which are essential for organisational success.

Changes in technology and society mean communication approaches are ever evolving. First Line Managers need to be agile, able to flex their communication style to engage and inspire others.

On successful completion of the unit, First Line Managers will have

• explored the role of effective communication in their working practice, and
• how this can be used to build and sustain successful collaborative relationships.

The following CMI Level 3 learning units are also available to learners:

Unit 333 – Delivering Operational Activities

The ability to deliver operational activities requires the First Line Manager to demonstrate wide ranging skills and expertise. This includes the ability to communicate operational plans to people and teams, allocate and manage resources, mitigate risks and quality assure outcomes.

It is the role of the First Line Manager to support people and teams to achieve operational outcomes within the rules, complying with legal, regulatory and organisational requirements.

On successful completion of the unit, First Line Managers will:

• understand the role of operational activities within an organisation, and
• how these can be planned, managed and delivered with success.

Unit 334 – Contributing To The Management Of Change

Change is an inevitable, yet an often feared, part of work and life. With the right tools and techniques, approaches can be developed to manage it effectively.

Change management begins with an understanding of the reasons, type and scope of change, its benefits for individuals, teams and the organisation as well as how barriers and challenges to change can be overcome.

On successful completion of the unit, First Line Managers will:

• know how to contribute to the effective delivery and implementation of change.

Unit 335 – Contributing To The Management Of A Project

Projects play a vital role in achieving strategic objectives within organisations. Whilst the scale, significance and complexity of a project varies; the principles of how projects are managed are ultimately the same.

Projects provide First Line Managers with the opportunity to plan, coordinate and deliver tasks in a structured manner, enabling them to develop their management and leadership skills.

This unit aims to equip First Line Managers with

• the knowledge and understanding of how projects are managed
• the methods used to monitor and control delivery – from the start of a project, through to closure and review.

Unit 336 – Managing Problems And Decision Making

Managing problems and decision making is a fundamental part of the First Line Managers role.

Whilst problems may be complex and challenging, the ability to manage these problems contributes to decision making which supports the achievement of organisational goals and the development of relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

On successful completion of the unit, First Line Managers will

• know how to apply approaches, models and techniques, to problem solve and make decisions
  within an organisational context.

Unit 337 – Professional Development As A First Line Manager

Professional development is a fundamental activity that supports First Line Managers to develop in their role. In an organisational setting it may support career progression, the development of knowledge, capabilities, personal growth and motivation.

Importantly, it has the potential to impact an individual’s self-esteem, fulfilment, mental wellbeing and resilience.

Professional development contributes to an organisation’s ability to succeed as well as bringing benefits to the people and teams led by the First Line Manager.

On successful completion of the unit, First Line Managers will

• understand the benefits of ‘developing self’ and
• be able to create a Professional Development Plan to support the achievement of their goals.

338 Unit – Budgeting For First Line Managers

Good financial management is essential if an organisation is to succeed. Whilst many First Line Managers will not require an in-depth knowledge of finance and accounting in their role; they should understand how they can contribute to the organisation’s financial health through the effective management of budgets.

On successful completion of the unit, First Line Managers will understand the role of budgets within organisations, and how budgets can be monitored, controlled and managed.

Unit 339 – Technology For First Line Managers

Technology in the workplace can be transformative. By harnessing the capability of technologies, First Line Managers can identify ways to manage individuals and teams more efficiently, streamline workflows, improve communication and stay organised.

From an organisational perspective, the right technology can contribute to the delivery of its strategic plan and the ability to meet stakeholder requirements.

On successful completion of the unit, First Line Managers will

• understand the benefits and challenges of using technology and
• how new innovations can support the achievement of organisational and professional goals.

306 Unit – Principles Of Equality, Diversity And Inclusive Working Practice

Treating colleagues, customers and stakeholders with dignity and respect enables relationships to develop and thrive. This unit focuses on how to develop inclusive working practices in line with organisational and legal frameworks. This will not only improve the productivity and well being of staff, but impact positively on the whole customer experience.

Benefits for learners

• Monthly 1-2-1 tuition and professional discussions with an experienced business coach
• Learn how to support and monitor goals
• Provide instructions around objectives for your team
• Give direction and guidance
• Support day-to-day operations
• Understand and learn more about effective project planning tools and techniques
• Overview of the roles and responsibilities required for managers and how to develop the skills required to succeed
• Helping to equip you with knowledge, skills and experience required to meet your job role and organisational objectives

What are the learning activities?

Each unit involves a number of learning activities which may include:

• Online learning
• Monthly tutorial sessions with your personal tutor
• Practical work based assignments, c2500-3000 word count for each assignment
• Regular feedback from your tutor and the assessment team

Completing a CMI qualification offers you more than just academic standing, alongside your qualification you have access to CMI Membership and Support for the duration of your study. This includes access to digital learning resources through ManagementDirect / CMI Thrive.