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Who should attend the Summer School?

The Summer School is split into two cohorts - Emerging Leaders and Transforming Leaders. The Emerging Leaders programme is aimed at those either new to a leadership role or identified as having high potential to step into a leadership role within the next 12-18 months. In addition, we have a number of delegates attend who are from support functions as the course helps to develop self-awareness and understanding of the wider retail industry. The Transforming Leaders programme is aimed at established, evolving retail leaders and support managers, those already in a leadership role with a proven track record of experience and influence. We believe that leadership is something that everyone can do and is not necessarily limited to those who have people management responsibility. It is also useful to accept that many may be in differing places on their leadership journey and will benefit from different development opportunities.

How and when is the programme delivered?

Our 2022 Summer School will be a blended approach, starting on the 8th June 2022 with a 3-day residential programme followed by weekly sessions (2-3 hours) which will involve a mix of live virtual plenaries, group work and specific content release via our learning platform. The School will culminate in a final 2 day residential from the 27th to 28th July 2022 where learners will regroup, reflect, and focus on the future.

What is unique or different about this programme?

The Summer School will provide an unrivalled deep dive into the four megatrends of People, Profit, Purpose and Planet through thought leadership, social learning, and self-led modular content. Supported by experts, retailers and organisations that will stretch delegates thinking by looking outside of what they ‘think’ they know, bringing insight and foresight back to the organisation. The blend of residential and virtual over the course of the 8 weeks provides attendees the opportunity to put into practice what they are learning and explore this within the safety of their groups during the programme. Our course will bring to life the lenses, developing truly conscious leaders within retail for now and the future. There is no other programme like the Leaders’ Summer School!

Where is the residential?

We are proud that our residential home for 2022 will be Ashridge House Estate in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. With the changes in the School being more future focused and inclusive it is important to us that our residential home reflects similar values.

What is the price of the programme and do you offer any discounts?

Our earlybird offer has now closed. The standard price for BRC Members starts from £3,225 for the Emerging Leaders Programme and £3,350 for the Transforming Leaders Programme. This is variable dependent BRC Membership. Group and individual discounts may be applied by discretion with our Head of Leadership Programmes, please contact vicki.young@brc.org.uk to explore this further.

What does the cost of the programme include?

The cost includes all accommodation and food for the duration of the residential elements of the course (8th to 10th June 2022 and 27th to 28th July 2022). Any additional soft or alcoholic drinks required during the residential element are to be paid for by delegates, some will be provided with the evening meals. Please note that Ashridge is a cashless venue and any purchases outside of the core offering should be settled immediately with the venue.

Is parking available onsite?

There is plenty of parking available however we are conscious of our own carbon footprint and would encourage delegates to either car share or arrive by train to Berkhamsted station. A free shuttle bus will be available to take delegates to the venue on the day of arrival and departure, timetable is below.

What time do delegates need to be at the residential for?

Arrival to the first residential will be between 8am – 10am, giving delegates enough time to check in and familiarise themselves, the School will formally start at 10.30am. Departure will be from 3.00pm on the 10th June. For the second residential the arrival time will be the same on the 27th July but the departure time will be from 4.30pm on the 28th July.

What if delegates cannot attend both residentials?

The residential elements are integral to the social learning element of the programme and therefore attendance is required at both. We do however recognise that there may be circumstances that arise which will impact their ability to attend, contingency measures will be put in place in this scenario, and we will record live sessions for delegates to watch. We cannot recreate the atmosphere and additional experience that they would no doubt benefit from being in the face-to-face learning environment.The residential elements are integral to the social learning element of the programme and therefore attendance is required at both. We do however recognise that there may be circumstances that arise which will impact their ability to attend, contingency measures will be put in place in this scenario, and we will record live sessions for delegates to watch. We cannot recreate the atmosphere and additional experience that they would no doubt benefit from being in the face-to-face learning environment.

Is the programme accredited?

You will be awarded a digital badge to recognise your participation in the programme which you can display on your website, CV or social media account. The badge will be available to download upon completion of the programme.

How long will the course take to complete/what is mandatory?

As with any blended learning opportunity commitment and engagement from delegates are what makes the learning happen. All content should be completed within the 8 weeks of the programme. Delegates will be expected to access all live events (or watch recordings) and access on demand content as it is released. There will be a project, or simulator, which will take place alongside the programme for each cohort.

What is a Group Coaching session?

Each delegate will be assigned to a coaching group made up of 8-10 learners and facilitated by a Group Coach, these sessions are essential to benefit from the social learning element of the programme. The relationship of the group with start to form at the residential and this will build as the course progresses, sessions will be arranged around the live virtual elements of the programme providing the groups with the opportunity to reflect on what they have heard, discuss, debate, and explore within a safe environment. The Group Coach is there to support in facilitating, coaching and being an independent confidante to delegates to nurture their learning.

It sounds like a big commitment, how much time will it take each week?

Across the duration of the school, we anticipate that each learner will need to assign 3-4 hours per week to either a live event, group coach sessions, module work and self-reflection which would be on a Wednesday afternoon.

Is there a final assessment?

There is no final assessment and no pass or fail. However, delegates will be expected to commit to a continuing personal development plan at the end of the School. This will include how they will apply learning back into their organisation and a review against their initial learning intentions. As part of the project or simulator delegates will receive final feedback on their submissions and position against other groups at the end of the programme.

How do you measure the results of the learning?

There will be a golden thread of “how can I apply this learning and how will it impact me, my team and my organisation.” This will be supported by a self-assessment tool completed by the learner at the start of the school, the tool has been built specifically for the programme using neuroscience and aims to dig beneath the surface of the conscious leader to bypass their individual bias. The results will continue to grow and evolve as delegates take their learnings back to the workplace and assess these against their original learning intentions.

Will delegates have access to a coach or mentor?

All delegates will be part of a coaching group for the length of the schools where they will be supported by a ‘group coach.’ Delegates and their sending organisations will be encouraged to identify an inhouse sponsor/mentor who can support the application of delegates learning back into their workplace.

Is there any pre-work ahead of the start of the School?

In the weeks leading up to the residential delegates will be sent their joining instructions. This will include a link to the Learning Platform which will be the main source of information for the duration, they will also be sent some pre-recorded videos to help set their mindset for the School - thought provoking views on the future of retail and some insights into what they can expect from the course. They will also be asked to complete a self-diagnostic development tool which will support their learning journey and personal growth in conscious leadership.

How are you ensuring diversity at the School?

One of our primary values is inclusion, by being inclusive and allowing delegates, contributors, and guests to be their authentic selves will help to increase the diversity of all attendees. We encourage all organisations to consider when nominating delegates to ensure that their attendees are a representation of their workforce, and that an open and inclusive approach has been taken to selecting them.

Will you be offering any scholarships?

We are in the process of developing a number of social spaces on the course aimed at independent businesses, not for profit organisations and underrepresented groups to apply for a scholarship space on the school. Our scholarship scheme will cover the costs of learning, but a minimal cost will apply for the residential programme. For further information please contact vicki.young@brc.org.uk.

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