The British Army has set up a partnership with the Chartered Management
Institute (CMI) to give soldiers the opportunity to gain externally certified
qualifications throughout their leadership and command skills training.
Under the partnership, 7,500 soldiers annually will be able to achieve a
series of qualifications, with courses covering more than 30 areas of training
from team leadership to change management.
The partnership is one of a number of training and development initiatives
currently ongoing in the British Army (see Close-Up page 18)and is central to
the Army’s strategy of developing wider partnerships with professional
institutions, awarding bodies and universities.
"If we want our soldiers to be the best, they should have access to
courses that allow them to enhance their professional and personal
development," said Major Jacqui Davidson of the Army’s Directorate of
Educational and Training Services. "By partnering with the CMI , we are
offering soldiers a structured lifelong learning programme that will help them
maximise these opportunities throughout their Army career."
The CMI courses range from introductory awards to degree-level diplomas and
will be verified externally to ensure they provide civilian recognition
alongside Army training. Each qualification will also require the completion of
an assignment that focuses on management issues applicable to both the Army and
the civilian world. Course participants will have access to an online support
team, the largest management resource in Europe, a series of regional training
events and a range of Institute membership benefits.
Christine Hayhurst, director of professional affairs at the CMI said:
"Modern management is about getting the best out of your people and the
Army recognises that success is achieved through continuing professional
development. By giving soldiers the opportunity to develop their management
skills from an early stage in their career, the Army will be equipping them to
succeed as soldiers and as civilians."
