The Accelerate programme is an exciting opportunity for black, minority ethnic and disabled middle managers, within the youth justice system and National Probation Service, to develop their careers in criminal justice.
The programme is a positive action leadership programme, which empowers participants to utilise and transfer their skills, knowledge and understanding, in order to realise their potential and to compete effectively for top jobs within the criminal justice system.
Accelerate is delivered over a two-year training period. The programme includes:
- seven two-day residential sessions
- action learning sets that build on the seven residential sessions
- a three-month work placement
- coaching as required
- reflecting on learning with a mentor.
Aims of Accelerate
As a positive action programme, 'Accelerate' concerns itself with learning and development.
Accelerate will enable participants to increase their:
- knowledge and understanding of top management processes and practices
- confidence in their own capability and potential as leaders and senior managers
- skills as candidates in recruitment and selection processes
- awareness of strategic leadership dynamics within the National Probation Service
- appreciation of interrelated factors in criminal justice policy and strategic direction.
Accelerate is:
- a learning and development programme for ethnic minority and disabled middle and senior managers employed by either Probation services or the YJB
- a means of supporting positive action towards improving the representation in senior positions
- a two-year programme for each participant tailored to meet individual requirements.
Accelerate is not:
- a guarantee of advancement in the organisation
- a formal qualification in management but it will be linked to recognised competencies.
The programme comprises a mix of residential sessions, coaching, mentoring and work placements. Excluding the work placements, participants would be investing approximately 26 days over the two-year period.
For further information, contact Ruth Searle at the YJB on 01954 252 576 or by emailing ruth.searle@yjb.gov.uk.
Click for a set of frequently asked questions [79Kb Word document, opens in new window] on the Accelerate programme. Senior managers may find this supporting material useful [121Kb Word document, opens in new window].
Accelerate 2008
Applying for Accelerate
The application process for Accelerate 2008 is underway. Click below for an application form and instructions. Completed application forms must be received by 19 May 2008.