News

29.06.10

lsc Train to Gain

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

SPECIALIST ADVISORY SERVICE

The Leadership and Management Service commenced on 1st April 2008, funded by the Learning and Skills Council. This Service is specifically aimed at supporting leaders and senior managers to enhance their business-building and leadership skills with the aim of fostering greater business growth.

Eligibility for Leadership and Management Funding

Eligible: Owners, CEOs or key directors within the business (one person per business in the first instance) for the first £500 (inc VAT) of support. The first £500 of support is directed to the owner/manager or key director and match funding will not be required. The remaining grant can be used for any of the senior management team (including the original recipient) and needs to be match funded (up to £500 inc. VAT) by the employer.

The beneficiaries of the programme should be businesses/organisations employing between 5 and 250 employees in the London region. This number can include part-time employees and volunteers (working unpaid for a minimum of 2 hours a week).

Ineligible: Businesses/organisations that have previously been supported through Train to Gain Leadership & Management support. In exceptional circumstances (e.g. where the key owner/manager of a business has left the organisation) a further intervention may be possible. Businesses employing less than 5 or more than 250 people can only be supported at the discretion of the regional LSC.

How it Works

  • A Specialist Adviser will carry out an analysis of your development needs (this is usually done on-line) before visiting your company and, in confidence, discussing your business skills and aspirations.
  • The Adviser works with you to create your Personal Development Plan (PDP - plus Team Development Plan if appropriate) and supports you by finding appropriate courses and learning opportunities.
  • You will be sent an Agreement Letter confirming the course and grant payment. Your course must commence within 90 days of the date on your PDP. Having chosen your activities you book and pay your training provider in full.
  • You send in your invoice with proof of payment and a completed template to request reimbursement of your costs up to a maximum of £1000 including VAT.

Support

Specialist Adviser support ensures quick and easy access to suitable leadership/management, business development and sales training providers. Having agreed your areas of interest the Adviser can use their expertise to suggest approaches and solutions designed to suit your personal learning style, time and financial constraints, and any other relevant circumstances. The Adviser’s aim is to assist business owners and key managers to benefit from the variety of business support opportunities available in London. The proposed solutions could include details of a variety of relevant learning routes, suggested suppliers from a database of approved training consultancies, coaches, networking organisations, professional organisations and colleges.

Eligible Training

Any training recorded as a need in the PDP is eligible. This can include formal training (e.g. qualification based) or informal training (e.g. coaching or mentoring). Training provision identified by the Adviser will typically be provided by a LSC quality assured provider, but the final choice of provider always rests with you, the employer. Should you choose a non LSC accredited provider the Adviser can undertake to obtain references.