In response to the huge challenges facing local government, LGcomms has partnered with the Centre for Public Relations Studies (CPRS) at Leeds Metropolitan University to create the first ever accredited Masters programme designed specifically for new and aspiring heads of communication in the sector.
The bespoke course develops core leadership competencies by focussing on the role local government communicators play in organisational strategy, change management, policy, stakeholder engagement, brand development and team management. Those without an undergraduate degree, but with appropriate practical experience, may be admitted onto the programme if they meet the University’s prior learning criteria.
LGcomms says, “Essentially, the programme is about the vital role communicators play in organisational change and mobilisation. The economic, political and social landscape requires local government to embrace new thinking and ways of working. In these challenging times it is vital that we play a strategic role to help inform vision and values, as well ensuring leadership teams can generate the buy-in necessary to move the organisation forward.
“Strategic communication management is also essential if we are to meet stakeholder expectations linked to accountability, transparency and the co-creation of new services. This partnership therefore delivers an exciting development opportunity that will generate tangible benefits for individual communication managers and their organisations.”
The programme’s core content has been co-created by CPRS and LGcomms and is informed by key research such as The New Reputation Project and The Chief Executive’s Challenge. Assessment uses participants’ work-based experiences and is structured so that learning can be applied immediately in their own organisation.
The programme also offers a staged, cost-effective approach to Masters development allowing for target awards of a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and full Masters of Arts. It is offered in three day blocks at Leeds Met and can be delivered at any time of the year. The first cohort is expected to begin in January and places will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
LGcomms says, “We are delighted to be working with CPRS which is recognised as one of the UK’s leading academic centres for organisational communication and is a focal point for ground breaking research designed to assist front-line practitioners. The teaching team, led by Professor Anne Gregory and Paul Willis from the CPRS, has an excellent understanding of local government, as well as having the expertise to bring in relevant best practice from both the public and private sectors.”
For further details on the programme please contact:
Paul Willis on 0113 812 3578 or p.a.willis@leedsmet.ac.uk
Anne Gregory on 0113 812 7520 or a.gregory@leedsmet.ac.uk