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Investing in events

Event leadership development

Five people sat in a television studio presenting the host cities for the Rugby League World Cup 2021

As UK Sport looks ahead to the next decade, a key focus of this exciting journey will be how we win on the global stage. We want our sporting community to be known internationally for its people-first approach, and we believe that a key USP of the UK’s major events offer is its people – it’s highly skilled, dedicated and loyal network of event professionals. 

Our vision is for future event leaders to be at the forefront of driving events with purpose, by recognising the values and agendas of those they engage with, and we have developed the Event Leaders Programme and the Event Leaders Mentoring Network to support this goal.

Event Leaders Programme

The Event Leaders Programme (ELP) is a development journey for Event Directors of the future. The programme addresses the unique time-bound nature of events and the implications this has on the competencies and skills needed to be a successful event leader. It recognises the importance of the talented individuals we see within the major events sector and will provide a new level of support for their development, whilst encouraging cross-sport collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Our mission is to develop current and future aspirational event leaders, enabling them to be more effective, purposeful leaders who can strategically and impactfully drive a world-leading events programme for their sport.

The Event Leaders Programme opens for applications to be part of the inaugural cohort on 1st March 2021. 

 

Objectives of the Event Leaders Programme

  • Deliver a range of bespoke development initiatives to enhance the leadership skills and capabilities of current and future aspirational event leaders.
  • Integrate the working practices of individuals into the programme to give them a genuine opportunity to effect change to the benefit of themselves, their teams and their organisation.
  • Provide a network of trusted professional peers who are committed to learning, sharing and building expertise together.
  • Support and open opportunities to set the cohort on a career pathway towards becoming the Event Directors and CEOs of future major and mega events.

Further detail about ELP can be found in the programme prospectus here or you can watch the webinar that was hosted earlier in March here. 

 

Who is it for?

The Event Leaders Programme is aimed at individuals operating, or aspiring to operate, as an Event Director within the British NGB major events system.

We encourage applications if you;

  • Are a self-led learner willing to actively engage in personal development for the benefit of yourself, your team and the major events system.
  • Have a proven track record of a leading role within major sports events.
  • Can demonstrate an aspiration to lead an event within the British NGB major events system.
  • Have a passion and value for the impact of sport.
  • Can show evidence of willingness and dedication to be part of the British NGB major event system for the future.
  • Have a live major event project to build into your learning journey.

Whilst the criteria serves as a guide to applicants, we are committed to expanding the reach of our support to ensure we broaden the diversity and experience of the major events industry, and therefore welcome enquiries and applications from individuals from Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse communities, or with a disability.  We are also committed to supporting former athletes and recognise that those from other functional event areas may be interested in applying.  We encourage you to contact us to discuss your application.

You do not need to be employed by a Sport National Governing Body to apply, but all applications will require a supporting reference from an NGB CEO or Events Lead.

 

Application Process

We invite anyone interested in applying to download the ELP Prospectus to learn more.  Applications should be submitted to knowledge.transfer@uksport.gov.uk by Friday 30 April.

Application documents can be downloaded here:

  • ELP Application form (NGB employees) 
  • ELP Application form (Non-NGB Employees) 
  • ELP Application form (Self-employed) 
  • Reference form 
    

Event Leaders Mentoring Network

In order to support the development of Event Leaders and Event Board Members, we are inviting experts to join our Event Leaders Mentoring Network.

There are countless experts in the industry, and others who bring expertise from different sectors, who contribute to making the UK the influential and attractive event host that it is known to be.  These leaders who are truly successful all show similar characteristics – they believe in the power of sport, are passionate and value-oriented and inspire and build strong, supportive teams. 

We are looking for these amazing leaders to mentor a select group of Event Leaders and Event Board Members, which in turn will support the development of the sports event industry,  and ensure that events can continue to drive impact and demonstrate the power of sport.

The Event Leaders Mentoring Network aims to:

  • Offer mentor pairings to the Event Leadership Programme cohort and Event Board Members to support their specific development needs.
  • Give mentees an expert sounding board outside of their organisation to allow objective, confidential support and advice along their personal development journey.
  • Provide mentors an opportunity to share their expertise for the betterment of their mentee and the industry as a whole.
  • Offer mentors an opportunity to continue their own personal development journey, as they are asked to reflect and share their personal approaches to leadership and technical expertise.
  • Strengthen the major events industry by creating a network of current and future expert leaders who share knowledge and support each other.
 

How to join the network

If you are interested in becoming a mentor please read the Event Leaders Mentoring Brochure and register your interest in becoming a Mentor here. Expressions of interest can be registered up until 30th May 2021.

For any queries about ELP or the Event Leaders Mentoring Network, please contact the Knowledge Transfer Team on knowledge.transfer@uksport.gov.uk or call 0207 211 5146

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