In March 2011 Deans of nine Technical Colleges in Iraq were awarded the triple personal accreditation of:
- Graduate of Deans Qualifying Programme (DQP) part of a UK/Iraqi collaboration in vocational education called Rawabit('partnership').
- Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI)
- Chartered Manager (CMgr)
This triple award was a joint venture between the CMI, The Association of Colleges (AoC) and Iraq's Foundation for Technical Education (FTE) in Baghdad. This partnership reflects the CMI's increasing international presence.
Tony Nelson CMgr FCMI (Programme Director of DQP) saw the potential for combining DQP with membership of the Institute and Chartered status. He had been using CMgr as a progression route for English College Principals who had graduated their UK leadership programme with LSIS.
CMgr requires candidates to demonstrate their personal impact in their organisations focusing on the key areas of Leading People and Managing Change.
Assessors Gaynor Thomas CMgr MCMI and John Sephton CMgr FCMI flew to Istanbul to carry out the Professional Discussion, contextualising the evidence to reflect the unique setting and challenges of Iraq. Gaynor said "We learned so much about what is happening in Iraq and the leadership and management Deans have had to exhibit in such very complex and difficult circumstances. What they have achieved is most impressive and it was very clear how they had successfully applied the models and concepts learned on the DQP in their Institutes, which have successfully blossomed under their leadership".
The Deans shared their stories of creating business impact including de-politicising their learning institutions; stabilising local communities through vocational education amongst former insurgents and prisoners; introducing new vocational and academic qualifications to Masters level and rebuilding colleges destroyed in terrorist activity. They had experienced personal attacks yet demonstrated resilience, patience and faith. Gaynor commented "The most impressive stories were those of rebuilding the human soul".
Following the success of this process, the nine Deans will be supporting the next cohorts of fourteen due to follow in 2011/12 which is being funded by the EU through the British Council and delivered in partnership with AoC and CMI. Tony is looking forward to this next development and knows that Chartered Manager status has huge value within Iraq - the Deans have placed their achievement as being 'alongside the PhD'. Tony will be encouraging a community of practice amongst CMgr Deans and in time even a CMI branch in Baghdad.
*Professional Discussion can only be offered overseas for groups (terms and conditions apply). The Online route and Fellow route (for Fellow members) are available for individual registrations. Please do not hesitate to contact cmgr@managers.org.uk if you require further information
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