For the second year running, the London Law Trust, in partnership with the British Exploring Society, will be running a leadership development programme for university students graduating in the summer of 2012. It is known colloquially as the 'Stellar Programme'. The goal of the programme is to develop the leadership capabilities of young people just prior to them beginning work, in order to create leaders who will be able to build and lead high performing teams earlier in their careers.

The programme, which is focused around a two-week expedition in a challenging location in Morocco, will concentrate on the important aspects of leadership, with an emphasis on ethical and values-based leadership; the values being: integrity, morale, courage, self-discipline, loyalty, respect for others and selfless commitment.

Programme

The programme is made up of four modules:

Module 1 – Assessment and Selection. To select undergraduates of the right calibre to take part in the programme.

Module 2 – Preparatory Training. To inform participants of the expedition programme and objectives, bring them up to the same level of basic understanding of the tenets of good leadership and to start the process of leadership skills acquisition and development

Module 3 – Expedition. In order to develop effective, resourceful and robust leaders, the following objectives will be achieved by all participants during the expedition phase of the programme through on-going development:

Self and Social Awareness

• Self-awareness
• Social awareness
• Self-management

Leadership Skills and Characteristics

• Communications skills
• Analysis and planning skills
• Decision making skills
• High performing leadership

A community challenge project will provide a range of development opportunities on the expedition, during which participants will take complete responsibility for the challenge to ‘make a lasting, positive contribution to the community’. This is based on tasks requiring creative problem solving as opposed to manual labour or painting.

Module 4 – Follow Up and Action Plans. To consider the lessons learned and to continue the learning and development journey.

Participants and Bursaries

The London Law Trust is seeking up to 21 high calibre participants to take part in the programme. The 21 successful participants will be awarded bursaries, which will cover almost all of the costs. The only cost to the participant will be for his or her personal equipment and flights (in the region of £320).

Dates

It is important that participants are available for the entire programme. The dates are as follows: Module 1 – from now onwards; Module 2 and 3 – 8-20 July in Morocco; Module 4 – 18-19 August in London.

Applications

Applicants, who must hold a current UK passport and be in their final year at university, with the potential of achieving a top degree, should apply by email to Peter Pearson at peter@bses.org.uk, attaching a CV and passport photograph and covering the email with a paragraph of no more than 200 words outlining why they should be considered for selection. It is anticipated that competition will be tough for the limited amount of places, so an early application is advisable.

Visit British Schools Exploring Society Leadership Development Programme.