Newcastle Business School (NBS) has been selected to scope out the first phase of a Regional Leadership Development Strategy that will ultimately shape the local leaders of the future.
One NorthEast took the decision to appoint a third party to drive the strategy forward after a Territorial Review of the North East by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development, research on international best practice and a collaboration with the North East Assembly identified that there were a number of leadership challenges facing the region.
NBS was awarded the tender after demonstrating strong project methodology, extensive experience of corporate programme and product development and a proven track record in supporting the growth and development of local talent.
Jane Turner, Associate Dean - Executive Development Portfolio at NBS, has responsibility for the project and recently carried out research into regional leadership during which she became aware of the need for a co-ordinated overall approach, greater transparency and the addition of new voices from the public, private and third sectors.
"The fact that NBS has become One NorthEast’s preferred business school within the region and the first choice to lead on the Regional Leadership Development Strategy is a real feather in our cap and testament to the wealth of talent and experience we have within the university.
'As an organisation that develops leaders and managers of the future, we are acutely aware of how important leadership is and the role it has in building a healthy economy for the region."
The Regional Leadership Development Strategy will set out a co-ordinated approach between public, private and third sector parties, including other regional universities, to improve leadership capacity and skills within North East England. A key objective is to encourage greater participation and engagement from the business community in key decisions affecting the economic growth of the region, to avoid an over-reliance on a select number of existing business leaders.
Jon Sell, UK Policy Manager at One NorthEast said:
"One NorthEast and our regional partners know there are leadership challenges facing this region, and how important it is that we develop leadership capacity and skills within it. This strategy will be a key driver in the development of the region over the next few years, and we hope it will ultimately shape the leaders of the future.
"It was therefore vital we brought on board an organisation that shared our enthusiasm for it, and with the appointment of Newcastle Business School we believe we have just that."
Jane concluded: "The project methodology has been structured to maximise the consultation process with the public, private and third sectors and will ultimately lead to the appointment of an Advisory Group. We’re delighted to be driving this strategic intervention in the region, along with key partners, not least because the long term effects are set to be of huge benefit to the North East as a whole."
Date posted: 09.05.2007