Sir Merrick Cockell presents the UK’s first Postgraduate Certificates in Shared Services
Sir Merrick Cockell, LGA Chairman and Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, has presented graduation certificates to the UK’s first cohort of public sector leaders and managers to achieve a postgraduate certificate in shared services. The presentation took place in London on 5 July 2011.
The six month postgraduate programme has been designed and delivered through a partnership between Canterbury Christ Church University and Shared Service Architects.
Funded by the RIEPs, over 150 councils, FE/HE, F&R, Police and other public sector organisations in England have put Members, leaders and senior managers through the Shared Services Architects' programme, which forms the first part of the certificate programme.
Before handing out the certificates, Sir Merrick stressed the importance of training and developing the shared service skills and knowledge of both Members and senior managers so that they can deliver the benefits of shared service activity effectively and rapidly.
Dr Wim van Vuuren, Programme Director for the university, added that many Members and senior managers have been thrust into shared service activity without sufficient skills and knowledge, putting both their organisation and their personal credibility at risk. Collaborative working is in fact very difficult, as is reflected in the low success rate of mergers and alliances in the private sector.
Cllr Gary Porter, Leader of South Holland DC was among the graduates receiving their certificates from Sir Merrick. Gary told the gathering that the six month programme had helped him immensely with the challenges encountered in setting up Compass Point Business Services, with East Lindsey District Council and with his shared management programme with Breckland DC. He felt that the collection of over 100 shared service tools, techniques and templates, provided in the foundation module, were particularly helpful.
The university is now inviting applications for the Feb 2012 cohort. More information on the postgraduate certificate is available from wim.van-vuuren@canterbury.ac.uk.