As we reach the launch platform for our new Pioneer Programme here at Cosmic I thought it was worth reflecting on the journey which got us here, and some thoughts on how vital leadership in our sector is right now and for the coming years.
The new Pioneer programme with the first specific degree-level qualification for Leadership in Social Enterprise, has been developed across the past three years as is the result of so much hard work and perseverance from Cosmic and its partners at Rise, SEW, CEMVO and also our partners in Finland at Syfo and others who have been key to its development and support (too many to name individually). Its such a massive development for Cosmic to have led this work; not only has it been a complete diversification from our ‘business-as-usual’ (ICT) at the time, but it also represents the best about our business – a reaction to market forces matched by social impact. We could spot how much demand for this learning there was in other social enterprises and we knew that great leadership would result in multiplier effect over the years to come.
In these times with so many challenges, clear and successful leadership from social enterprises in the UK (and globally) could make such a major impact. In fact, I can’t think that there has been a better time for us to push forwards with strong and credible approaches to the challenges which are now clear to all. From social unrest and growing divides in our communities; financial instabilities and continued worsening of the jobs situation; massive environmental issues which despite so many calls to action have remain largely un-tackled. We all know the models and best practice in social enterprises which have addressed such issues (and if you don’t know them then just ask and I’ll send you some links!)
From the pilot work completed 2009-2011 we could identify that our ambitions and objectives were proving correct – here are some of the people involved as leaders in the pilot programmes –
Erica Steer, who was recently awarded ‘Student of the Year’ for her assessed work on the level 5 programme, of Devon Guild. You can see a short video of Erica’s thoughts about the programme here.
Keith Davies regards Pioneer involvement as a very personal journey from developing an initial idea for a new social enterprise delivering work and training opportunities for people with particular challenge around employment (young people, long-term unemployed, ex-offenders). This began as Erlestoke CIC but is now developing into the newly formedRight Time Foundation, complete with strong brand and new structure. Keith has used the learning from the Pioneer programme to completely re-model the business and to bring it from a small enterprise mainly based on volunteering, to an employer of over 50 people in just 2 years. Keith was able to relate how much the learning modules had helped him to bring the business side of his enterprise truly into action through good leadership. A memorable comment from his final presentation – “you don’t run good business through a Committee”….
Shabana Kusar of the Sky Project and her experiences and learning through the programme which have included lots of self-development opportunities, making the most of the chances for experiential learning. Shabana shadowed Mona Siddique to observe leadership, specifically in a leader for muslim women, and this included attending a conference in Rome at which Mona delivered the keynote speech. Shabana then decided to extend her learning further by taking a visit to Singapore and specifically to how social enterprise had developed around eco-business. You can read more about Shabana and her decision to join the programme here.
Anne Malindine of Southville Centre in Bristol worked on the programme with her organisation and used the learning from the Pioneer programme to review leadership across the team, but also Anne maximised the opportunity to continue her own personal development journey and reflected strongly on the ways in which she led others both in her team, but also in wider community and the social enterprise movement – something she is very keen to find more opportunities to achieve in future. The project team was so impressed by the ways in which improvements have been achieved at Southville through Anne’s leadership style – ensuring that shared leadership promotes the support for all in decision-making situations, and working to improve engagement, empowerment and ‘ownership’ and key concepts for the organisation. She also gave the hint of further social enterprise concepts she was now developing to bring even more social impact and return some of the ‘community wealth’ to its proper place.
James Mapstone of 2nd Chance Project describes how having chosen to apply for a place on the Pioneer programme he had been able to use the workshops and the peer group as a way of developing a much clearer understanding of social enterprise and how he wanted to provide leadership for 2nd Chance and its wider partnership. James’ journey into social enterprise came from his work in the Prison Service and has resulted in the set-up and success of 2nd Chance which provides training, support and rehabilitation services for ex-offenders. During the Pioneer project he made a visit to the Delancey Street Foundation in San Francisco and this provided a clear aspiration for James and his team in terms of how future developments at 2nd Chance will aim to provide a wider, bigger and stronger approach to rehabilitation and life-long support.
For more information about the Pioneer Programme visitwww.pioneerprogramme.org.uk , download the course information packand the application form here.