We plan to launch Cohort 4 early in 2010.

As part of the staged national roll out of the FRH programme it is our intention to launch the next cohort in early 2010.  Participants will need between 18 and 22 months to complete the programme.  A more detailed timetable indicating what action authorities would need to take if joining the cohort is given below.  We have attempted to align our timetable for the recruitment of participants with that of SQH providers to simply arrangments for local authorities. 

If your authority is interested in participating in this cohort then please contact Jim Keegans, Programme Manager, on 07870 814 196 or Scott Brand, Scottish Government, on 0131 244 0350.  An initial response. including a commitment in principle to participate is needed by Friday 18 December.

Timetable for Cohort 4

Mid December 2009 – local authorities to give commitment in principle to joining cohort 4 to the Scottish Government.

Early January – local authority to indicate an estimate of the number of participants and coaches they are likely to have.

January 2010 – local authority to consider appointment/selection of coach.  There is a coach specification that local authorities must consider before selecting.  This outlines the qualities and experiences required (e.g. tutoring and assessment) and the time commitment involved.

Mid January 2010 – local authority to advertise programme (assistance available from Project Manager).

Mid February 2010 – local authority to invite applications from interested colleagues.

End February 2010 – Scottish Government to hold coach training event.

March 2010 – local authority and coach to interview/select participants.

Programme commences with:-

April – coach to hold first local authority network meeting and encourage participants to start self reflection on leadership style, self evaluation against the Standard for Headship and targeted academic reading on leadership.

End May – Scottish Government to hold national residential for all participants and coaches.

Programme develops:-

April 2010 to December 2011 / April 2012 –  coaches to engage with other local authorities’ coaches in a network organised by the project Manager and participants and coaches to be involved in further seminars around assessment while continuing to work through the programme.  The programme will take between 18 to 22 months to complete.

For individuals interested in the programme then they should in the first instance contact their local authority CPD co-ordinator.