Open For Applications
Emerging Leaders Programme
Celebrating 50 years of GCVS with 50 fully funded opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow
GCVS Opportunity
To honour the 50th anniversary of GCVS, we are pleased to offer 50 fully funded places on a brand-new programme for emerging leaders in the third sector. Having proudly served the needs of the city’s community groups, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises for half a century, we are delighted to provide this unique programme to help support the sector’s future.
This opportunity is ideal for those with current management responsibilities who aspire to become tomorrow’s leaders, and will help develop their leadership, management and communication skills. Specially created with the needs of the voluntary sector in mind, the programme will include:
A Professional Development Award (PDA) in Leadership: SCQF Level 8
jointly certified by SQA and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Focused Training and Development Workshops
specialised on People Management and Communication Skills
We are open for new applications. Please read more about the application process and criteria below.
Who is it for?
We would like to hear from ’emerging leaders’ in Glasgow’s third sector
Those in leadership and people management roles, such as a team leaders, middle managers, or Trustees.
This opportunity is aimed at those with less senior positions than the roles of chief executive or chair, but we may consider candidates who are particularly new to such positions.
Aspiring senior leaders should apply and be seeking to further their development as a third sector leader.
Application Process
We are particularly interested in receiving applications from people who have fewer opportunities to take on leadership roles. This will include, but not be limited to BME people, younger people, care leavers and disabled people, but all decisions will be made on merit.
Participation will be by an application and selection process, which considers:
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- Career pathway to date
- Goals and aspiration for the future
- Challenges faced and areas for development
In your application we will also request that you provide a short supporting statement from your manager.
We aim to support just one participant per organisation initially. Priority given to members based within the Glasgow City Council boundary.
We will have several intakes throughout the year, commencing from April 2023, and if successful we will work with you to choose a start date which suits you best.
Now Open
Applications have now reopened. Please apply using the form below.
In your application we ask you to tell us about your career to this point and your goals and aspirations for the future. We will also request that you provide a short supporting statement from your manager to accompany your application. Please also sign up to our bulletin for future updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a deadline for submission?
Applications are now open and will be kept under review. Please sign up to our bulletin to be kept informed of updates.
If successful at application, when can I start the programme?
We are aiming to run intakes throughout the year, roughly one per quarter. If there is a particular time that would suit you to begin the programme, please let us know.
There are several people in my organisation who would benefit from this programme. Can they all apply?
We are currently restricting applications to one candidate per organisation in order that as many can benefit from this opportunity as possible
What does PDA Stand for?
PDA stands for Professional Development Award. PDA’s are accredited by the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority)
Can I fail the PDA?
No. Your assessor will work with you to ensure you provide sufficient evidence to meet the occupational standards and so achieve your award. There are no ‘tests’ to pass or fail!
How long does it take to complete the PDA?
The award should be completed within 12 weeks. You should expect to meet (virtually) with your assessor every 2 weeks and complete work in between appointments.
How much time will it take each week?
This varies from person to person but, on average, you should aim to spend a couple of hours per week working on the plans you have agreed with your assessor. We find candidates who can commit to regular time on their PDA achieve their awards much quicker.
Do I need to travel to GCVS to work on my award?
You can work on your SVQ at your workplace, your home or anywhere else you feel comfortable and have privacy and space. GCVS deliver our SVQ and PDA awards remotely using Zoom, MS Teams, email and phone calls so you can work anywhere you can access these tools. However, there may be some in-person training delivered at our Albany building in Glasgow. We can discuss this with you in more detail so please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Why apply?
“For fifty years GCVS has provided leadership within the third sector, influencing change, encouraging & sharing good practice, challenging unfairness and supporting our sector to be the best it can be. As we celebrate fifty years we want to make an investment in the future of our sector, identifying and supporting the leaders of tomorrow”
To discuss this opportunity in more detail with the team, please email us at svq@gcvs.org.uk or call us on 0141 332 2444