Leadership programme hailed as ‘jewel in the crown’ by Swansea University Director

As we look ahead to the Looking Back, Looking Forward event at the end of June, Ceri Jones, Director of Research, Engagement & Innovation Services (REIS), shares his thoughts on the programme that he supported in the transition to Wales from the North-West of England. A programme that has gone on to support nearly 2,000 leaders across Wales.

I can’t believe it’s been 14 years since we introduced LEAD to Wales. What an impact the programme has had on those individuals who have taken part, their businesses, and the Welsh economy. The programme really is ‘best in class’. As we approach our celebration event, I’ve taken some time to think about how we have got to where we are today.

Quality and Quantity

Over 14 years ago I was delighted to be part of the initiative to import the LEAD programme from the North-West of England to Wales. We discovered a highly successful leadership programme, LEAD, which had a significant impact on their regional economy. I am hugely proud of the fact that not only have we imported the programme to Wales, but we have evolved it. With the support and funding from WEFO, we have evolved the programme, adapting it for the Welsh market. We have been hugely innovative with how we have tailored the programme, piloting programmes for different demographics and for sector specific cohorts such as life sciences, manufacturing, ICT, energy and two female only programmes.

The quality has always been there but what we have also added is quantity. The programme in the North-West of England was hugely impactful but wasn’t necessarily delivered to comparable scale to our reach across Wales. The way we have rolled the programme out across Wales has been incredible. Nearly 80 cohorts delivered between Swansea and Bangor, to nearly 2,000 delegates in over 1,000 business across Wales. Every one of those delegates is a story – a story of personal, professional, and business growth. That’s what characterises the last 14 years for me – the impact we have had on individuals, businesses, and the Welsh economy.

A jewel in the crown in terms of business engagement

A key pillar of the University’s research and innovation strategy is engagement with industry. I have always seen LEAD/ION as our jewel in the crown in terms of our engagement with entrepreneurs, microbusinesses, and SMEs, and more recently larger companies. The programme has truly made a difference to our strategic reach around R&I and our work with industry, and the awards the programme has won over the years cements the fact that the programme is best in class.

It's all about people

I must finish this blog with saying a massive thank you to everyone who has been a part of the LEAD/ ION journey. There has been a changing cast, but the magic continues. A big thank you to our facilitators and experts who have delivered high value programmes for nearly 14 years. To everyone who has worked on the programme – marketing, research, operations, our leadership teams, and the ION Steering Group – it has truly been a team effort. I would like to think I have been a ‘constant’ throughout the last 14 years, but it is the whole team who have made the programme so special.

And finally, thank you to our alumni. Thank you for investing your time, passion, and dedication into our programmes. Something very special happens when our delegates come together. You all contribute towards the magic. You are all leaders who will change the face of Wales. Thank you for being extraordinary leaders.

If you are interested in finding out more, and joining us on the 27th, you can sign up here.