Hospice UK recognises that the demands on hospice leaders are constantly increasing, and have helped to develop two programmes for Hospice UK members that aim to equip leaders now and for the future. Antonia Bunnin, charity consultant and visiting lecturer at London’s Cass Business School writes about the new Hospice Leadership and Management module, and Anita Hayes, Hospice UK’s Head of Learning and Workforce shares details of the Strategic Leadership Programme.
A unique Masters programme to strengthen your hospice leadership skills
This May, a group of students will embark on the first Hospice Leadership and Management Module to be run by Cass Business School, as part of its MSc in Voluntary Sector Management.
The new module has been developed jointly by Cass and Hospice UK, recognising that the demands on hospice leaders are constantly increasing, and that the ability to identify new ways of doing things and work with others to bring about meaningful change is crucial if hospices are to extend their reach, scale and influence to enable significantly more people to benefit from hospice care.
The module forms part of a two-year Masters programme which starts each October. The course is designed to be undertaken whilst working, and many employers actively support students to invest in their leadership development in this way, for example by giving study leave or contributing towards course fees.
In the first year, hospice students study alongside others from a wide range of voluntary sector backgrounds, enabling all to benefit from the richness of different perspectives and experiences. Core modules such as understanding the voluntary sector, marketing and fundraising, and managing resources help students to build the foundations for strong management, and are followed by modules focused on organisations, leadership, leading and managing change, and managing people and teams.
Sarah Thompson, now Chief Executive of St Clare Hospice in Harlow, undertook the MSc several years ago when she was a hospice fundraising director. She says:
“I learned so much that helped broaden as well as deepen my knowledge. It has certainly helped me lead a hospice from the front with a greater understanding of the potential challenges facing us and how to spot opportunities that will benefit the people we are here to serve”.
Helena Talbot-Rice is Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Lead at St Christopher’s Hospice in south London. She started the programme in October 2017 and will soon take the Hospice Leadership and Management module. She says:
“The course has stretched me and challenged me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The learning has been invaluable and directly applicable to me and my organisation. Coming from a background in the NHS, it has helped me understand the charity sector in much more detail and given me a greater insight into the challenges and opportunities for hospices into the future. The teaching has been of a high standard and the friendships and networks built up with fellow students has been an added bonus.”
The Hospice Leadership and Management module combines the rigour of a highly respected management school with a practical and applied approach. The module will be delivered by academics and management practitioners with years of first-hand experience and ongoing involvement in the hospice and palliative care sector. A number of guest speakers will share their insights and expertise, presenting on the latest issues and helping students explore innovative developments and consider the future nature of hospice care and their role in leading its development.
Cass Business School is currently taking applications for its October 2019 intake. If you would like to find out more, please join the module leaders for a Q&A and information session by Zoom at 2pm on Wednesday 10 April 2019. Join by clicking here and entering the following Meeting ID: 417-556-335 Alternatively you can join by clicking this link
If you experience issues connecting to computer audio please dial 020 3695 0088 and follow the instructions. For support in setting up and testing Zoom, please read our Zoom Support Guide.
For more information on the MSc in Voluntary Sector Management visit the Cass Business School website
The Strategic Leadership Programme – tools to forge partnerships
The Strategic Leadership Programme is a bespoke programme created by Hospice UK and The Westcott Group
It will:
- enable you to clarify the role of hospices in the emerging world of integrated and devolved health and care systems.
- equip you to forge new strategic partnerships and to work collaboratively in creating new systems of care.
- enable you to hone your personal leadership skills to effectively engage others in improving care.
- strengthen your capacity to make change happen.
- become part of a leadership community and wider network with the shared knowledge and skills to develop the local and national end of life landscape.
Anghard Orchard, Chief Executive of Katherine House Hospice in Banbury said of the course:
“I found the Strategic Leadership Programme incredibly energising, providing me with an opportunity to think strategically about the future of the hospice, as well as the hospice sector more broadly.”
Michael Crowther, Chief Executive at Kirkwood Hospice in Huddersfield said:
“The programme provided a good balance of theory and practice, and some unique methods that helped me reflect on my own qualities and ambitions as a leader.”
For more information on the course visit Hospice UK – What we offer
To register your interest in the next cohort click here
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