Jenny Bone's experience
Business Improvement Manager, EQUANS
Women in Leadership Programme
Senior Leader Apprenticeship Postgraduate Diploma Senior Leadership
In collaboration with EQUANS, a multi-national and multi-technical service provider, we developed the Women in Leadership Programme; an accredited Senior Leader Apprenticeship.
This programme brings together like-minded women from across EQUANS in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
The levy-funded Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Senior Leadership, focuses on strategic leadership development. It provides aspiring senior leaders with new knowledge and skills to advance their career.
The programme has an option route to a Masters (MSc) in Senior Leadership - this can be paid for by the learner or their employer.
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I have gained strategic thinking skills which have enabled me to take on more significant responsibilities and contribute more effectively to my organisation's success.
Jenny's experience on the programme
My name is Jenny Bone, and I'm currently a Business Improvement Manager within the Nuclear Sector at EQUANS, a facilities management (FM) service provider. I'm responsible for identifying and implementing strategies to enhance business performance and efficiency.
My motivation for joining the programme was to develop my leadership capabilities further and gain a deeper understanding of strategic management. I aimed to enhance my ability to lead effectively and to prepare myself for more senior leadership roles within my organisation.
Yes, I faced several challenges in my role, including managing complex projects, making strategic decisions, and improving team performance.
I hoped that the programme would equip me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours to address these challenges more effectively.
I had initial fears about balancing the demands of a highly demanding job, family commitments, and the intensive coursework of the programme. I was concerned about managing my time effectively and ensuring that I could meet all my responsibilities.
The Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme has significantly enhanced my career and working practice. It has provided me with valuable insights into my behaviours and areas of weakness through a Hogan assessment and analysis. It's helped me develop the confidence to take on a senior leadership position.
The programme also taught me to think and act more strategically, which has been crucial in my role as a Business Improvement Manager.
I use the strategic management and leadership skills I learnt during the programme most frequently in my work. Additionally, the self-awareness and behavioural insights I gained have been instrumental in improving my decision-making and team management capabilities.
The most positive impact of the apprenticeship for me has been the increased confidence and strategic thinking skills I've developed. These attributes have enabled me to take on more significant responsibilities and contribute more effectively to my organisation's success.
For my organisation, the most positive impact has been the enhanced leadership and strategic capabilities that I bring to my role. This has led to more effective business improvement initiatives and a stronger overall performance from my team.
My advice to anyone considering the Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme is to be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Balancing work, study, and personal commitments can be difficult, but the support from the University, your employer, and Practice-based Tutors can make a significant difference. The knowledge, skills, and confidence you gain from the programme are invaluable and will greatly enhance your leadership capabilities and career prospects.