What is Meridian?
Meridian is designed for senior, busy leaders whose schedules mean they simply cannot commit to a number of set days throughout the year. Meridian brings together leaders from all three sectors - private, public and voluntary/community. The diversity of the groups is central to the challenge of the programmes. Participants tailor their learning experience through a choice of modules, and work together to wrestle with real-life problems .
Participants develop their leadership abilities through collaboration with their peers in other sectors, site visits, panel discussions, expert briefings and exposure to numerous different approaches to leadership.
Meridian is the new, international name for TheKNOW. Meridian is being successfully run in six countries. To reflect this, the UK is adopting the name Meridian from 2008 onwards.
What happens on the programme?
Meridian participants commit to three days, at the beginning, midpoint and end of the programme, on which they will all work together. In between, there are numerous opportunities for them to work in smaller, specially crafted learning groups, at times and in ways that suit the participants' schedules.
Participants choose from a wide range of flexible learning modules, all created and run by Common Purpose staff, to achieve between 60-90 hours in order to graduate.
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.
What are the benefits?
Participants will:
- understand how their city works - the role of different sectors, the levers of power, the drivers of future change
- build a network of relationships with senior leaders and key figures locally
- practice leading in different contexts
- become more adept at spotting opportunities and threats
- build their capacity to lead change.
Where and when is Meridian held?
Meridian is a highly personalised and flexible programme that offers over 50 events and 200 hours of learning. Each participant can choose from a wide range of flexible learning modules, all created and run by Common Purpose staff, to make up a minimum of 60 hours (maximum of 90 hours).
Find a programme in your area here.
How much does it cost?
The fee for Meridian is £4,500 + VAT.
Ability to pay is not one of the selection criteria and each 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 programme qualifies for a special discount, up to a maximum of 20%, on any 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 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...
