What is Focus?
It is a powerful educational experience that brings together leaders from all sectors - private, public and voluntary/community - and widely differing backgrounds. The diversity of the participant group is central to the challenge of the programme.
What happens on the programme?
Participants develop their own leadership abilities through collaboration with their peers in other sectors, site visits, panel discussions, expert briefings and exposure to numerous different approaches to leadership.
Together they explore and work through real-life challenges from business, the public and voluntary sector. Participants visit prisons, housing developments, businesses, hospitals and manufacturing plants in order to find inspiration outside their usual experience.
They will learn about alternative approaches to leadership through the eyes and experience of fellow participants.The end result is that participants will learn a lot more about themselves as leaders, as well as how society works - and will explore the central themes of leadership, partnership and diversity.
What are the benefits?
Participants develop:
- Enhanced capabilities to lead and implement change in rapidly changing environments
- The ability to see the wider context, adapt faster and spot opportunities and threats
- Improved communication and problem-solving skills
- Increased levels of creativity and innovation, particularly in working with diversity and in managing complexity
- Greater leadership skills, especially the ability to lead beyond authority.
Where and when is Focus held?
Focus is a six day programme. Each Focus programme day is held at a different venue within the geographic region in which it is being presented.
Find a programme in your area here.
How much does it cost?
The fee for Focus is £2,625 + VAT.
Ability to pay is not one of the selection criteria and each leadership programme maintains a bursary fund to cover the costs of those who are genuinely unable to meet the full fee. However, every participant is asked to make a contribution.
If you would like to apply for a bursary, please fill in the section of the form for bursary candidates. If you need to discuss this further, please contact us.
Common Purpose Plus - Everyone who has completed a Common Purpose leadership programme qualifies for a special discount, up to a maximum of 20%, on any leadership programme, regardless of length. Please notify us that you wish to claim a Common Purpose Plus discount in the 'Financial assistance' section of your application.
How do I apply?
Apply online here and choose the leadership programme and location you want.
Or download the Programme Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and send them both by post or fax to your local programme office.
Application forms are submitted to the local Advisory Group. The Advisory Group comprises individuals with experience across all sectors in the programme's geographical area. All are members in their own right, not representatives of their organisations or communities. Advisory Groups make decisions on whether an applicant demonstrates that they fulfil the application criteria.
We value diversity and constantly strive to provide equality of opportunity in the provision and delivery of all our activities. We encourage applications from all sections of the community and are working hard to ensure that our services meet the requirements of people with disabilities. More...
