The School of Leadership and Management - Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship
Programme Overview
Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship is designed for leaders with senior management responsibility. The purpose of a senior leader is to provide clear, inclusive and strategic leadership relating to their area of responsibility.
Typically, this involves setting, managing and monitoring achievement of core objectives aligned to the organisation’s strategy, influencing at a high level and setting the culture and tone across their area of responsibility.
The programme is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy >find out more. The cost of the Senior Leader Level 7 Apprenticeship is currently £14,000.
Who is it for?
This apprenticeship is for those who:
- are responsible for setting direction, vision and purpose
- provide clear, incisive leadership
- use data to make longer term plans develop inclusive, results-driven cultures
- manage a broad range of resources
- champion innovation
- lead agile change and transformation
- lead and promote sustainable business practices
- respond to and manage crisis situations
How can the programme link to qualifications?
Upon successful completion of the programme the learner will be awarded the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship Certificate. Learners can also gain a Level 7 qualification (certificate /diploma), in Leadership and Management from ILM or CMI while studying. The programme level also indicates that learners may be in a position to apply for Fellowship of one of the professional institutes.
Duration
21 months programme and 3 months End Point Assessment. 24 months in total.
Attendance Method
Online delivery (MS Teams/Zoom), featuring workshops, executive coaching and tutor support. In-person workshops can be arranged for groups.
How is the programme structured?
The course is delivered through a blended approach, incorporating executive coaching, workshops, online learning, group coaching, work based learning, observation and assessments, as well as regular line manager reviews. Learners meet regularly with their executive coach and are supported in their journey by a dedicated Learner Manager.
A typical month on the programme will include:
- Workshop work
- Executive coaching
- Group or individual supervision
- Enquiry-based learning
- Observations and assessments
Learners will also participate in regular line manager reviews. They will meet regularly with their tutor and are supported in their journey by a dedicated Learner Manager.
This apprenticeship is a 24 month learning programme, followed by End Point Assessment.
SL7 Apprenticeship Learning Journey
The programme is delivered through workshops, executive coaching sessions, small group discussions, web based forums, video, audio and written materials.
These are blended to create a learning journey to suit all styles.
The programme is divided into four parts – run over two years, with successful completion leading to the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.
The programme is designed around and induction and four modules each containing CMI Learning Units.
Prior to programme start, learners will complete the following activities:
- Attend an information session, providing an oversight of the key elements of the programme.
- Onboard using our Maytas LMS – application form, eligibility questionnaire and
- Complete an initial skills scan assessment against the standard’s knowledge, skills and behaviours.
- Verify status of existing qualifications, including English and Maths. If the employee does not have a Level 2 qualifications in these subjects, they can agree with their employer to forego the need to obtain them. We will discuss this with the employer and learner during onboarding.
- Leaner, employer and the Academy approve the apprenticeship agreement and training plan for the programme.
Induction
Introduction to the programme and its key elements, the four modules, the delivery team, the assessment process, your responsibilities and links to the levy. CMI Management Diagnostic will be completed by each learner and discussed at this session and used to inform the agenda for the 1-2-1 executive coaching sessions.
Module 1 – Becoming an effective strategic leader
Covering strategic leadership and direction and the development of organisational strategy.
Two workshops
(1) Strategic leadership. What is a strategic leader?
(2) Leading organisational strategy and making strategy happen
Three executive coaching sessions, action learning groups and assessment support.
Assessments: Two CMI units 701 and 704, two assessments.
Module 2 – Strategic planning and leading successful transformation
Covering strategic planning, financial planning and monitoring and leading strategic transformation and change.
Two workshops:
- Leading strategic change and successful transformation
- Strategic Finance and risk for senior leaders
Three executive coaching sessions, action learning and assessment support.
Assessment – Two CMI units 705 and 706, two assessments.
Module 3 – Strategic Management – live Business project
This module will result in the development, delivery and reporting on outcomes for a strategic business project.
It will cover: developing a business case, stakeholder mapping, risk identification, compliance with legal frameworks, and alignment with strategic goals are integral components. Selecting and recommending the right project management methodology, reporting on project outcomes, and techniques and practices used to critically reflect on leadership skills and performance.
We will also focus on reflective practices for senior leaders, such as the Model of Structured Reflection or Reflective Cycle. This is a key element of this module. It will help and prompt leaders to critically evaluate their decisions, behaviours, and the overall project journey.
One workshop: Strategic management project
Individual / Group action learning
Live business project, if a group project there will be individual and group sessions. If individual projects there will be an additional 1-2-1 sessions for the individual learners as they work through the project.
Three to five executive coaching sessions and assessment; potential group sessions if group projects x2. Assessments: One CMI unit 712 and one assessments.
Module 4 – Your ongoing executive development journey and Leading a high performance culture
The first half of this module is focused on the individual, the second half focuses on leading and developing people.
We begin with an assessment of the learners personal and professional development needs in relation to undertaking a strategic leadership role within the Council. This will build on the CMI management diagnostic undertaken at the beginning of the programme.
One workshop: Your executive development journey.
Two executive coaching sessions.
Assessment – creation of a Personal and Professional Development Plan and assessment for CMI unit 714.
The second half of this module will address optimisation of performance, creating a high performance culture and maintaining this through adversity and challenge.
Two workshops:
- Leading and developing people
- Making a high performance culture happen and maintaining high performance
Additional virtual workshop session
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Two executive coaching sessions, action learning and assessment support.
Assessment – CMI unit 702, one assessment.
Final activities
Gateway and End Point Assessment.
This is based around a strategic project proposal and developing a project plan for improvement, change, expansion, a portfolio of evidence – the assessments and business project and professional interview.
- Confirmation that functional skills have been achieved as required.
- Confirmation that learner has completed all requirements of the CMI extended diploma.
- Confirmation that the learner is competent against the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprentice standard.
- Meeting will require learner, course tutor and the learner’s line manager.
- Title agreed for Strategic Business Proposal, to be completed between Gateway and EPA.
Who delivers the programme?
At the Academy, we are really proud of our delivery team. They all hold impressive credentials, including Doctorates and Masters degrees, Fellowships of a number of professional institutes and extensive experience in roles such as Managing Director, Global Operations Director etc.
All our executive coaches are fully qualified at level 7 and many are also practicing supervisors.
SL7 Apprenticeship Learning Journey
The programme is delivered through workshops, executive coaching sessions, small group discussions, web based forums, video, audio and written materials.
These are blended to create a learning journey to suit all styles.
We will encourage the learner to develop their own signature leadership style and apply it to create a culture of high performance in their organisation. There are many approaches to strategic management and leadership.
In this programme, we will be taking the opportunity to explore a number of these. The learning is centred on executive coaching which enables the learner to follow their own learning path, within the context of the standard.
Who is it for?
The Senior Leader Level 7 apprenticeship is for those who:
- are responsible for setting direction, vision and purpose
- provide clear, incisive leadership
- use data to make longer term plans develop inclusive, results-driven cultures
- manage a broad range of resources
- champion innovation
- lead agile change and transformation
- lead and promote sustainable business practices
- respond to and manage crisis situations
How is the programme structured?
The programme is divided into four parts – run over two years, with successful completion leading to the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.
The programme is designed around and induction and four modules.
Induction
Introduction to the programme and its key elements, the four modules, the delivery team, the assessment process, your responsibilities and links to the levy. CMI Management Diagnostic will be completed by each learner and discussed at this session and used to inform the agenda for the 1-2-1 executive coaching sessions.
Module 1 – Becoming an effective strategic leader
Covering strategic leadership and direction and the development of organisational strategy.
Two workshops
(1) Strategic leadership. What is a strategic leader?
(2) Leading organisational strategy and making strategy happen
Three executive coaching sessions, action learning groups and assessment support.
Assessments: Two CMI units 701 and 704, two assessments.
701 Strategic Leadership
The aim of this unit is to equip leaders with an in-depth understanding of strategic leadership within an organisational context. Leaders will explore the complexities of the role and the theoretical perspectives, approaches, behaviours and skills which can enhance their professional practice.
The unit focuses on the leader’s ability to respond creatively to complex organisational challenges and understand how to set and deliver sustainable strategic goals.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the role and context for strategic leadership
- Understand the behaviours and skills for strategic leadership
704 Developing Organisational Strategy
The aim of this unit is to enable leaders to know how to develop and influence strategic direction through the development of a meaningful strategy. To support this outcome, leaders will critique the factors which drive the development of the strategy and appraise approaches to successfully develop strategy. The unit culminates in leaders developing a strategy to achieve a business goal. To complement this activity, leaders will propose an approach to implement and monitor the strategy developed to ensure its sustained success.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand how to develop strategy for their department and wider hospital
- Know how to develop strategy, implement and monitor outcomes
Module 2 – Strategic planning and leading successful transformation
Covering strategic planning, financial planning and monitoring and leading strategic transformation and change.
Two workshops:
- Leading strategic change and successful transformation
- Strategic Finance and risk for senior leaders
Three executive coaching sessions, action learning and assessment support.
Assessment – Two CMI units 705 and 706, two assessments.
705 Leading Strategic Change
The aim of this unit is for leaders to understand the scope, context and complexity of leading strategic change. Leaders will understand how the application of analytical techniques, theories and models of change, and creative problem-solving can be used to equip them to lead strategic change with confidence. The unit culminates in giving leaders the opportunity to develop a proposal to lead a strategic change.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the scope and context of strategic change
- Know how to propose a strategy for leading strategic change
706 Finance for Strategic Leaders
The aim of this unit is to provide leaders with an understanding of the scope, complexity and role of Finance e.g. department budget, project budget, budget setting process and requirements and how this linked to overall financial performance and KPIs. Leaders will know how to critically assess methods for analysing financial data and information required to make strategic decisions. Ultimately, the aim of this unit is to equip leaders to be more confident in their understanding of the finance function and the specific role of strategic finance.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the scope of the finance function within an organisational context
- Understand the role of finance in strategic decision making
Module 3 – Strategic Management – live Business project
This module will result in the development, delivery and reporting on outcomes for a strategic business project.
It will cover: developing a business case, stakeholder mapping, risk identification, compliance with legal frameworks, and alignment with strategic goals are integral components. Selecting and recommending the right project management methodology, reporting on project outcomes, and techniques and practices used to critically reflect on leadership skills and performance.
We will also focus on reflective practices for senior leaders, such as the Model of Structured Reflection or Reflective Cycle. This is a key element of this module. It will help and prompt leaders to critically evaluate their decisions, behaviours, and the overall project journey.
One workshop: Strategic management project
Individual / Group action learning
Live business project, if a group project there will be individual and group sessions. If individual projects there will be an additional 1-2-1 sessions for the individual learners as they work through the project.
Three to five executive coaching sessions and assessment; potential group sessions if group projects x2. Assessments: One CMI unit 712 and one assessments.
712 Strategic Management Project
The aim of this unit is for leaders to undertake a strategic management project of their own choosing. To achieve this outcome leaders will develop a business case, propose research design to inform the project’s direction and recommend project management methods and tools to structure the delivery of the project. Leaders will report on project outcomes and reflect on the skills and behaviours which ultimately influence the success of the strategic management project.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Know how to develop a strategic management project
- Know how to conduct a strategic management project
Module 4 – Your ongoing executive development journey and Leading a high performance culture
The first half of this module is focused on the individual, the second half focuses on leading and developing people.
We begin with an assessment of the learners personal and professional development needs in relation to undertaking a strategic leadership role within the Council. This will build on the CMI management diagnostic undertaken at the beginning of the programme.
One workshop: Your executive development journey.
Two executive coaching sessions.
Assessment – creation of a Personal and Professional Development Plan and assessment for CMI unit 714.
714 Personal and Professional Development for Strategic Leaders
The aim of this unit is to support leaders to understand approaches to personal and professional development. Leaders will critically reflect on the interrelationship between the skillset and mindset to develop as a strategic leader. Vitally leaders will reflect on their own personal, interpersonal and professional competencies and behaviours to lead strategically. The opportunity for leaders to reflect on their own performance will equip them to develop a meaningful personal and professional development plan.
The second half of this module will address optimisation of performance, creating a high performance culture and maintaining this through adversity and challenge.
Two workshops:
- Leading and developing people
- Making a high performance culture happen and maintaining high performance
Additional virtual workshop session
- EDI in Local Government
Two executive coaching sessions, action learning and assessment support.
Assessment – CMI unit 702, one assessment.
702 Leading and Developing People to Optimise Performance
The aim of this unit is for leaders to develop an in-depth understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people. They will explore the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, development and design, policy and strategy that can be used creatively within the leadership role. Ultimately, leaders will have the opportunity to propose a leadership and development strategy within their department. The aim of which values people whilst optimising a departments or organisations overall performance.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the principles for leading and developing people
- Understand leadership and development strategy.
Final activities
Gateway and End Point Assessment.
This is based around a strategic project proposal and developing a project plan for improvement, change, expansion, a portfolio of evidence – the assessments and business project and professional interview.
- Confirmation that functional skills have been achieved as required.
- Confirmation that learner has completed all requirements of the CMI extended diploma.
- Confirmation that the learner is competent against the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprentice standard.
- Meeting will require learner, course tutor and the learner’s line manager.
- Title agreed for Strategic Business Proposal, to be completed between Gateway and EPA.
What can be expected?
Executive coaching
Regular monthly executive coaching sessions, focusing on both the programme and the individual’s role more generally. The coaching sessions become part programme learning part professional discussion.
We will aim to match our coaches expertise and experience with the individual learner’s requirements and objectives for the programme e.g. matching commercial experience and knowledge with the requirements of your learners who are looking to learn best practice, broaden their awareness of commercial approaches, practices and thinking to challenges, issues and risks.
Workshops
Workshops covering a range of themes, including the executive development journey, effective strategic leadership, strategic planning and transformation and high performance cultures.
Strategic research projects
Individual and group strategic research projects, focused on delivering impacts for both the organisation (the employer) and the individual learner.
We will meet with the learner and the learners line manager/Director at the beginning of the programme to discuss potential live work projects that can be used during the programme.
Learners will define a set of objectives designed to have a real impact on their organisation and develop these into a work based strategic research projects. As they progress through the course, supported by their coach, the learners work will focus on achieving high levels of impact for themselves and their organisation.
Tailored and flexible learning
A full set of tailored online learning resources – reading, watching and listening, and experiencing via the learning aids and case studies, will enable the learner to learn at times, places and using the ways, that are most convenient for them. Fitting in around work, life and those extra curricular activities that can arise unexpectedly at anytime in life.
What are the benefits – for the employer?
- Development of strategic leadership and management skills in-house
- Strategic insights into the organisation and its management
- Real, broad-ranging impacts delivered by in-house resources
- Talent development
- Insights into succession planning options and opportunities
- Creation of a culture of high performance, delivered by well-trained and highly motivated leaders
What are the benefits – for the learner?
- Development of high level leadership and management capabilities
- Exposure to and experience of strategic and senior level experiences
- Experience of applying learning in senior positions
- Enhancement of personal leadership brand
- Deepening of ability to lead in a range of situations and circumstances
- Ability to create impacts across and beyond your own span of controls
Related Courses
This apprenticeship is for those who want to coach either as their main occupation or want to use the skills of coaching in their existing role.
Designed for those who work in, or aspire to a middle management role, with responsibility for managing teams to deliver a broad range of outcomes.
For those who work in busy business and functional roles and are responsible for overseeing and managing operational, procedural and administration tasks covering a range of crucial business and finance functions.
