Case Study: Ealing Council

The apprenticeship incorporates our Departmental Manager Diploma programme which is accredited by the Institute of Leadership. It takes 20 months and covers a wide range of leadership and management issues. Being delivered by Happy, it is based on ideas of trust and freedom, and how to multiply the talent of your people

The apprenticeship incorporates our Departmental Manager Diploma programme which is accredited by the Institute of Leadership. It takes 20 months and covers a wide range of leadership and management issues. Being delivered by Happy, it is based on ideas of trust and freedom, and how to multiply the talent of your people.

Giving a space for reflection “in a way that I’ve never had before”

Nikki Gill, Change and Transformation Officer, explains: “I will be a better person for it. I’ve definitely started to see myself as more of a leader. I will be a stronger person in the room when leading on a project.

“10 years ago I was asked to be a manager and I said no. Now, after this programme, I would look at it. The coaching on the programme has helped me develop and I’d like to do the same for others. I see that being a manager is not about conflict resolution but about bringing out the best in people.

“Doing things like 360-degree feedback and the Johari window have given me space for reflection in a way that I’ve never had before. It has given me a chance to think and step back and look at things differently.”

“If it had been a generic course, I wouldn’t have gone for it”

“I have 10 years experience as a manager,” explains Pushpinder Bhogal, who is also on the programme. “The course really links everything up for me. It makes me feel I am a good manager but also gives me tools and tips and techniques to find other ways of working. Topics like Psychological Safety really bring these ideas together.

“It makes me more likely to look for promotion, makes me want to take on extra responsibilities. Lots of things in the class make me think ‘this is brilliant’ and I need to share this with the team.

“If it had been a generic course, I wouldn’t have gone for it. The fact that it was a BAME programme made a difference to me applying for it. The content is generally the same but it feels more inclusive and I feel I can have a go at that.

“This will be the making of a new, improved me”

For Dharshana Fernando it is “a fun way of learning.” For Nicholas Mayers there are “great insights into the differences between a manager and a leader and how to get the best out of those around you.”

“I am really enjoying the sessions and I look forward to the training,” says Deborah Lawrence. “I am learning a lot which can be applied to my working practice. I find that the tutors put a lot into the sessions and they are very engaging. They do question us to think outside of the box.”

Another participant commented that “this will be the making of a new, improved me – I am most grateful.”

The programme is challenging but also a safe place to learn. One commented: “The material that we discussed today was very difficult for me personally, as it has been one of my biggest stumbling blocks in moving forwards in my career. Although it was a difficult issue for me to deal with, the facilitator was sensitive and supportive. I feel embarrassed about how I presented myself, but I know that it's a safe space and I will not be judged because of this and it makes me confident that I can and will move on from here.”

“There is a measurable difference”

“It is definitely a success so far, which is why we are looking to run a second cohort,” continues Samantha. “Those who have been on the programme are more confident in putting themselves forward, getting involved in activities that wouldn’t normally do.

“There is a new-found energy and ambition, an aspiration to be bigger and better than they are now. There is a measurable difference.”

About the Level 5 Global Majority Programme

Our Level 5 programme is designed for existing and experienced managers who would like to build their confidence, with the Global Majority programme  covering the additional challenges that those from these backgrounds face. On this programme, they can talk about it, process it, and gain the confidence and tools to advocate for change.

If your organisation pays the Apprenticeship Levy then this programme is fully funded under that. If you don’t (ie, you have salary below £3 million) then it is 95% funded by the government, so the cost would be just £350.

Support your aspiring and current managers from Global Majority backgrounds with happy

Ideally, conversations around the challenges that those from Global Majority backgrounds face happen when everyone is in the room.

However, the reality is  that in communities where people feel oppressed, they do not always feel safe to talk about it.

Happy's Global Majority Leadership Apprenticeship Programmes are designed to give new (Level 3) and experienced managers (Level 5) the space to talk, process, and gain the confidence and tools to advocate for change. They will be equipped with the skills they need to navigate organisational culture with a clearer perspective on their own potential, and expand their professional strengths.

Find out more