Executives on course for a new lease of life

A unique executive education programme which inspires high flying business leaders to put their skills back to work in society is selected as finalist in National Training Awards 2007

What Next? is an intensive five day programme for those experienced in leadership positions who are within a few years of leaving, or have recently left, their senior roles and who are keen to use their experience and insight to enhance the quality of governance and performance of organisations - whether on boards, as trustees, or in launching new initiatives.

It offers inspiration, practical first steps and a chance to rethink individual values, exploring the risks and challenges of non-executive roles through the insight of our experienced advisors - all in the company of a high-achieving peer group who share similar goals.

The What Next? programme is the result of a partnership between Common Purpose, a leadership development organisation, and the Sad Business School at the University of Oxford. It combines Sad Business Schoolís reputation for academic rigour, with the Common Purpose approach to diversity and challenging insight. The Programme has earned a place in the finals of the National Training Awards 2007.

Common Purposeís Chief Executive, Julia Middleton says: ëSociety cannot afford to overlook the vast pool of leadership experience of those who are choosing, from their forties and fifties, to leave their full-time careers. From investment bankers disillusioned with the City, to the CEOs of NHS Trusts that have merged, a wealth of leadership talent is becoming available. There can be no doubt that we need such experience, especially in the field of governance. Nationwide, organisations are searching for fresh faces who already understand how to form partnerships or how to manage unanticipated risks. We need those experienced leaders on governing bodies, mentoring business start-ups, on public sector boards, as non-executive directors and as school governors. Yet talented individuals often feel far from wanted once they retire.í

Elizabeth Paris, co-Director of the Programme commented: ëCherishing the leadership wisdom of our experienced workforce has to be a priority if we hope to improve the governance and performance of the UKís public, private and not-for-profit sectors. ëWe detected a real need for a programme that inspires and equips senior managers to take on new roles in society, rather than retire from professional life. The first What Next? programme in June 2006 was a huge success and evidence of the demand there is for such guidance amongst leadersí.

Eighteen people attended What Next?, the first course of its kind in the UK, between June and November 2006. Delegatesí passions and strengths were linked to options during a four-day residential in Oxford. This followed up by a coaching day to help them with CVs and interview techniques. The delegates stay in touch with the organisations via a web-based network. The delegates came from a range of backgrounds, including the BBC, Open University, a county council, the police, the NHS and the private sector. Of the 18 who took part in What Next?, two became NHS board members, three set up social enterprises of their own, one became a trustee of a charity, one became a mentor for university start-ups, one new charity was formed and two became school governors.

Sir Richard Greenhalgh, former Chairman of Unilever is an advisor on the programme, and a strong supporter of the initiative: ëWhen I left Unilever, I had lots of advice and theory on what to do next, but I still needed practical help making the transition and thinking through where I could make a real difference. I wish What Next? had been around for me.í

The advisers for the programme also included Robin Butler, former Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service, Julie Baddeley, Non-Executive Director for the Department of Health, Colin Fletcher, Bishop of Dorchester and Nicholas Grey, chairman and chief executive of Wells for India.

Sue Dopson, Academic Programme Director commented: ëWe are delighted to receive this recognition from the National Training Awards. The What Next? programme has filled a real need among senior executives planning their next steps. What Next? graduates will become part of an elite but diverse community of leaders, who will no doubt be much sought after as members of boards and other non-executive roles, as well as leaders of new initiatives of their own making. We look forward to seeing the programme go from strength to strength.í