New partnership emerges to develop skills to make London a beacon of leadership

30 September 2011

In the wake of research* suggesting that 79% of UK managers think their organisation increasingly needs employees with higher level skills, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Linking London have formed a partnership designed to create new opportunities for learners to develop the skills UK organisations want to see.  The data also suggests that 1 in 4 organisations view knowledge transfer partnerships as key to long-term success and the two organisations are teaming up, as a result, to bring employers, educators and students closer together.

“It's too easy to blame the education system when graduates don't arrive for their first day at work ready to run.  The truth is, however, that people should be given the chance to learn to walk before they run, especially in an environment where mistakes can prove costly.  It's far better for employees to be given the ability to do a job properly as the investment in terms of time and finances will pay off over the long term”, says Chris Kinsella, acting chief executive at CMI.

He was speaking as CMI and the Linking London joined forces, today, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).  The new strategic partnership has been created to promote career progression opportunities for school leavers, graduates and learners already in work.  Together, CMI and Linking London will be able to:

- work with academic institutions to introduce leadership skills development as part of school pupils personal and social curriculum

- create new opportunities for learners to progress through the Higher Education system by bringing schools, colleges and employers together

- better meet learners needs by improving the information available to them about education opportunities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sue Betts, director of Linking London, said: “We need a skilled, savvy and satisfied workforce if UK organisations are to emerge from the tough economic climate in a positive shape.  That means creating an environment in which skills can be developed both for the good of individuals and the employers they work for.  The only way to ensure this truly happens is by matching learners with the educators that can help them and the employers that need the skills they have to offer.”

As a result of the MoU, graduates of management and business degrees accredited by Linking London's higher education partners will receive professional recognition from CMI.  The partnership means that these graduates will have the opportunity to use CMI resources as part of their ongoing professional development and as a support mechanism in their day-to-day working lives.  CMI and Linking London will also collaborate on thought leadership and research projects to ensure the respective groups have access to the latest thinking and support.

Chris Kinsella added: “By helping young people gain qualifications, our partnership can go some way towards improving employment prospects and closing the gap between entry level skills and the needs of today's employers.  By working in partnership, the focus will be on improving the quality and capabilities of those in the marketplace, leading to a better performing base of UK managers.  I am delighted to bring the parties together and look forward to a successful future together.”

 

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