Leading Places of Change - the leadership programme for the homelessness sector

A high level six-month leadership programme for the homelessness sector saw its first graduates at the end of June. The programme, developed jointly by CIH, Broadway and Homeless Link and funded by Communities and Local Government, was designed to strengthen leadership and management skills and build professionalism in the sector. It supports the government’s Places of Change hostel capital investment programme of £90m over the last three years.

The Leading Places of Change programme has been hugely successful, with all participants reported feeling strongly motivated, inspired and enthused as a direct result of the programme. In feedback from the programme 94 per cent of participants said that they have already used the learning in the workplace and early indications demonstrate that they are planning or have already made positive changes.

Kathy Hanson, CIH Head of Training and Conferences, said: “The homelessness sector is undergoing a major cultural shift away from crisis management towards a focus on creation of opportunity and positive outcomes for those receiving the services. This programme is unique in developing those leadership skills to bring about the critical change needed to underpin the substantial capital investment in the sector. I am so excited about where it is taking the sector and the kind of skills it is helping to nurture. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to deliver the programme again later in the year”

Since January 2005 the CLG has invested over £90 million and they have just announced an additional £80 million investment in homelessness services. The investment has brought about redeveloped buildings, use of innovative design and encouraged improved employment, health, personal development and housing outcomes for service users.

But such transformations require more than a capital investment - it's about the people.

We're looking for the homelessness sector's next generation of leaders. This programme will help them to understand the vision of the places of change agenda as well as to support them in the development of an organisational culture which drives the provision of these new style services and is underpinned by a framework of excellent management practices.

During 2007 CIH, Homeless Link and Broadway worked together to deliver seven programmes all over England, 120 people finished a programme. They have told us that they feel better equipped, more confident and more motivated to in their work.

We are currently talking to CLG about how the programme will develop but in the meantime we are able to offer places on one programme in London. It consists of ten days training input with research and analysis projects carried out by delegates between modules. Participants should expect to spend around 50 hours researching and producing the work for the programme. On successful completion of the programme participants will be awarded Leading Places of Change Qualification which entitles them to membership of CIH.

Those signing up for the programme will receive:

• 10 days of training and a comprehensive training pack
• Free Student Membership of CIH
• Registration for the Leading Places of Change Qualification
• A one day study skills course
• A personal tutor who will support them in delivering assignments
• Meals and refreshments throughout

It is suggested that organisations provide a sponsor for each participant to provide support in completing the programme and to ensure that the whole organisation has the chance to consider the ideas and developments arising as a result of the programme.

Download the programme structure (PDF: 23 kb)
Role of a Sponsor (PDF: 21 kb)