What is What Next?
A programme for people in positions of leadership and influence who are ready to put their energy and experience to work in society, and need practical help with the first steps. It's for people who are completing one stage of their career, and are now looking outwards for new and possibly very different opportunities.
What Next? is a joint initiative combining Oxford Said Business School's reputation for academic rigour with the Common Purpose approach to diversity and challenging insight.
What happens on the programme?
The programme contains two elements:
- A residential programme over four days based at Oxford University
- One day follow up six months later.
What Next? will be fast moving and very challenging, blending visits and contributions from external specialists. The unique approach of this programme is the mix of the experiential with the unexpected, rigorously exploring the diverse opportunities to contribute to our society.
In addition, there is an optional two-day Profile programme in the city of the participant’s choice. Profile gives a local briefing to leaders who want to take a fresh look at a city in its most current context.
What are the benefits?
The programme provides an excellent transition from one phase of a career to the next, in the company of a diverse group facing a similar challenge.
Benefits include:
- freedom to explore which roles might best satisfy individual passions, values and strengths – and how to plan ahead to develop the right networks and experiences to pursue a new direction in the future
- understanding of the value of each person’s expertise to the “outside” world – and how to position skills in appropriate ways
- insight into the reality of non-executive and other portfolio roles, informing each individual so that the choices they make will fit with their preferred new lifestyle
- inspiration, and support at an individual level, to start the transition into a new and fulfilling phase of life.
Where and when is What Next? held?
The programme is based at Oxford University's Said Business School with accommodation in adjacent business apartments.
The What Next? Residential 2009 is Monday to Thursday, 16-19 March 2009. The follow-up day is Autumn 2009 (exact date TBC).
How much does it cost?
The fee for What Next? is £4,700 + VAT.
Fees include the programme, accommodation, meals and transportation during the programme.
Some part-fee places are available for participants who cannot meet the full cost of the fee and can demonstrate a clear need for financial assistance. To be considered, please document your need in a separate letter and submit it with your application.
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 you want.
Or download the Programme Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and send them both to the address listed on the application form.
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...
Email whatnext@commonpurpose.org.uk if you have any further queries.
