Extend Leadership Programme 2020 - 2021

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): For applicant’s resident and working in England.

Please note applicant’s resident and working in Scotland or Wales should refer to the separate FAQ documents available at www.engage.org/extend

How will this year’s Extend programme differ from previous years’ programmes?

In light of the restrictions necessitated by Covid-19, we have taken the decision to make some changes to this year’s programme. Whilst this means that aspects of Extend will not be present this year, it does mean that we will be able to open up the programme to twice the usual cohort and to reduce fees. We’ve worked with colleagues and former participants of Extend to develop what we feel is an exciting opportunity for colleagues working in education and learning to develop their leadership skills. The key changes to Extend are as follows:

· We will this year deliver two short programmes with a combined cohort of 30; the first running from October to December 2020 and the second from January to March 2021.

· Programme content will be delivered remotely but will retain some of the elements of previous programmes.

· Extend will retain a strong focus on coaching as a leadership method. This aspect of Extend will be delivered by Relational Dynamics First, a respected provider of coaching training across the sector.

· In light of the above changes and to make the programme as accessible as possible to eligible candidates, the fee for participation will this year be £200.

Is the Programme open to freelance applicants?

Yes, it is. Extend is open to colleagues working in education / learning roles in the arts and cultural sector who aspire to leadership and consider themselves to be mid-career.

Freelancers are encouraged to apply and have been represented on every Extend Programme to date.

I’ve only been working in the arts / cultural sector for a few years. Can I apply?

Yes, provided you meet the Extend eligibility criteria (these are set out in the Information for Applicants). Previous cohorts have included participants who have worked in the sector for many years and those who are relative newcomers.

Typically, cohorts have included colleagues of all ages who work in a range of settings and who have a variety of skills and experience. Some may have worked in the arts and cultural sector throughout their careers, others may have taken a career break and others may have entered the sector having previously worked in other roles. They share a commitment to their own professional development, strong skills developed in an education and learning setting and an aspiration to attain a leadership role. Biographies of previous Extend cohorts can be found on the Engage website.

Do I have to complete an Expression of Interest form?

No, you don’t have to but it’s helpful to us if you do as it means that you can complete a quick eligibility check. Completion of the Expression of Interest Form is also helpful to us for evaluation purposes as it helps us to gauge levels of interest in the Programme.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed by a panel of professionals on the basis of your submitted application form. We have separate selection panels for English, Welsh and Scottish candidates. The selection panels typically include at least one person who has previously completed the Programme.

Successful applicants will be those who demonstrate best that they meet the selection criteria; these are set out in the information for applicants. Please be mindful of these when you complete your form. If a written application is not accessible to you, please contact the Extend coordinator and we can discuss other application formats.

Some questions have word limits; please do not exceed these.

We don’t interview candidates, so it is really important that you put some time into making sure that you respond to the questions in the application form clearly and concisely.

We do appreciate that it can take some time to complete the form and we want you to be able to make the best application that you can. The Extend Programme Coordinator is available throughout the recruitment period to answer any questions you might have about the process – please do feel free to contact her by telephone or email.

We would also suggest that you ask a colleague or friend to review your completed application form before you submit it.

The deadline for applications is 23 November 2020 at 10am.

When will I know if my application has been successful?

We intend to let all applicants know the outcome of their applications by 7 December 2020.

How much time will I need to commit to the Programme?

Participants commit to undertaking every aspect of the Programme, much of which this year will involve attendance at and participation in remotely delivered sessions. Please refer to the Information for Applicants for taught session dates. Between taught sessions, there is an expectation that you will work with other members of your cohort to practice coaching and action learning skills which you acquire over the course of Extend.

If I’ve applied unsuccessfully in the past, is there any point in re-applying?

Yes, there is. Every application is judged each year on its individual merits. If you apply and are not selected, we are happy to provide you with feedback which may be helpful should you decide to apply again.

Can the Programme fee be paid in instalments?

No, it can’t. Before applying you must ensure that you are in a position to meet the Programme fees as we will invoice you as soon as you have confirmed acceptance of your place. Candidates will have a period of 7 days to accept an offered place. Once a place is accepted the candidate is liable for the fee in full.

Why do you ask for a biography at the application stage?

Selected applicants’ biographies are shared amongst the cohort prior to the first residential. Your biography will also appear on the Engage website and will be shared with a prospective mentor.

What’s the alumni event and are participants expected to attend?

The alumni event takes place every year, usually in January in central London though this will be dependent on public health considerations in 2020 - 2021. Everyone who has participated in Extend is invited to attend.

The event is an opportunity for current and former participants to get together to share learning, exchange practice and sustain a learning community. Each event includes an invited guest speaker. However, much of the content is co–produced with current and former Extend participants.

Though the alumni event is not a compulsory element of Extend, we strongly encourage current participants to attend if they are able to.

I’ve got a question that’s not covered in the FAQs.

If you’ve got any further questions about any aspect of the Extend Leadership

Programme, please contact Dawn Cameron, Programme Coordinator, on

extend@engage.org or on 0113 226 4064 / 07753 748 038.

Should you need application details in another format please contact Engage on 020 7729 5858 / info@engage.org