How I created a leadership development programme based on CMI principles

Designing and delivering the ACE Leader Programme at Exeter College has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. As a Chartered Manager, I drew on the skills, confidence and resources gained through my Chartered journey to create a bespoke leadership development programme that is making a real impact on both individuals and the organisation.

The what and the why

The ACE Leader Programme is an internal management training initiative at Exeter College. It is designed to inspire and prepare staff for leadership roles in the further education (FE) sector. Launched in 2023, the programme was developed to address the absence of a flexible and accessible pathway for aspiring leaders to explore leadership in FE.

“Before this programme, staff only had access to external qualifications that required a significant time commitment,” says Gemma Noble, executive director of people and organisational development at Exeter College, who asked me to design and deliver the programme. 

“We needed something bespoke to Exeter College – something that aligned with our values of ambition, collaboration and energy (ACE) while also being practical and flexible enough to fit alongside busy work and home lives.”

The programme’s 12 sessions are delivered over six months and cover a wide range of topics, from leadership fundamentals and managing change to data analysis and sustaining team culture. Each session includes guest speaker slots from senior leaders at the college and engaging activities designed to encourage self-reflection and collaboration.

Participants are also required to complete a digital reflective workbook after each session and to submit an end-of-course assignment about leadership in FE. This encourages them to apply their learning to their professional context and to develop personal action plans for their future leadership journeys. At the programme’s conclusion, each participant receives a certificate and an ‘ACE Leader’ pin badge.