GCS Advance: Expert

The GCS Advance Expert programme is aimed at Grade 7s and senior managers. It consists of 2 elements:

A five day intensive SkillsCamp

SkillsCamp will introduce participants to innovative ways of working, with a specific focus on AI and how it can support communications professionals in their work. Places on the SkillsCamp are limited to 30 per camp. There will be 4 SkillsCamps running in 2024 in locations around the UK.

A two day Learning Festival

Our Learning Festival will provide participants with access to in-depth learning in the full range of GCS communications disciplines facilitated by experts in these areas. It is an annual event which will be hosted in London in September 2024.

For participants to be certified as a “GCS Expert” they must complete both elements of the Expert programme within one calendar year.

Cost

The cost for participation in the full Expert Programme is £1500 (VAT exempt).

The cost includes:

  • Attendance at a five day SkillsCamp, including lunch, tea and coffee
  • Attendance at the two day Learning Festival, including lunch, tea and coffee
  • Attendance at an evening reception on the first day of the Learning Festival

The cost does not include:

  • Travel
  • Accommodation

While there is no expectation to stay overnight, should you wish to do so this needs to be paid through your Department’s T&S process.

2024/25 dates and locations

In keeping with the location strategy we are committed to delivering the GCS Advance programme across locations in the UK. Following our pilot year we have extended the range of locations we will be hosting SkillsCamps in the coming year. We will be hosting SkillsCamps in London, Leeds, Edinburgh, Bristol and Liverpool.

Why participate in the GCS Advance Expert programme?

Skills Development

GCS Advance Expert allows you to develop a deep understanding of individual disciplines through interactive, face-to-face learning experiences. You will also have the chance to upskill in the use of AI and innovative technologies to ensure you are equipped for the future.

Career Progression

GCS Advance is underpinned by the GCS career framework. Individuals looking to progress their career in government communications will be expected to have participated in the GCS Advance programme, in some capacity, to show their commitment to their continuous Learning and Development. 

Networking

GCS Advance Expert provides you with an opportunity to meet and network with like-minded individuals. You will work collaboratively to explore and dissect new concepts, tools and frameworks together, whilst learning from one another’s experiences.

Thought Leaders

You will hear from thought leaders in both communications and innovation. You will have the chance to interact with speakers and reflect on the future of the communications profession.

Hear from a GCS Advance Expert graduate

How has the GCS Advance Expert programme supported you in your role as a government communicator? Between the SkillsCamp and the Learning Festival, I’ve come away from GCS Advance Expert buzzing with ideas about how me and my team can better communicate in a fast-changing world. From learning about what AI means for communications, to innovation techniques and strategic thinking, I’ve taken away loads of new ideas, as well as new skills and the opportunity to put them into practice through group projects and workshops. It’s also helped me extend my professional network – I met loads of great people from right across GCS, and learned loads from them. My project team from the SkillsCamp is planning to meet up in the new year, which is great. What key skills or knowledge have you gained from the programme (any particular element or topic covered in the course) that you apply regularly in your job? SkillsCamp has helped me become a much more confident user of GCS Assist – and helped me appreciate the many tasks it can help with. I’ve been using it as a helping hand for tasks I’ve previously found quite challenging, like setting KPIs or COM-B analysis. Assist can provide a second opinion, or in some cases a starter for ten that you can then take away and work from. As a team leader, the programme has also helped me recognise the importance of creating a culture of innovation. My team and I now regularly use techniques learnt on the programme (like ‘5 whys’) in our team meetings, to really get to the root of a problem before really getting into solutions and fixes. What do you think is the most valuable long-term benefit of the programme? The most valuable long-term benefit of the programme was the tools the course gave me to really dissect a problem, and work out how communications can help fix it. Some of these were practical things like analytical techniques, or different ways to brainstorm, but I also came away feeling that GCS actively wants me to take the time to think about a problem first, and not just jump straight to solutions. This will stand me in good stead, as properly getting to grips with a problem will help me develop better communications solutions in the long-run. What 3 words would you use to describe your experience of GCS Advance? Refreshing, thought-provoking, and fun!

Eligibility

GCS Advance is available for communications professionals in government departments, ALBs (including embedded communicators) and devolved administrations.

The Expert programme is aimed at Grade 7s and senior managers.

Frequently asked questions

Click on the questions below to reveal the answers.

The Expert programme will consist of a 5 day SkillsCamp and a 2 day Learning Festival. Therefore, participation is a 7 day commitment.

Yes. Participation in the Expert programme costs £1500 per person.

Yes. You will need both your line manager and budget mangers approval in order to register to participate.

Yes. Expert is a fully face-to-face programme therefore you will be expected to attend all 7 days in person.

You will get a certificate to demonstrate the learning that you have completed.

You will need to complete both elements of the programme to get a certificate of completion for the Expert Programme.

No, though we recommend it as it will ensure you have undertaken the appropriate skills training to help you prepare for the next level.

No.

Acceptance onto the Expert programme is on a first come first serve basis. 

There will be other opportunities to engage with GCS Advance and the Academy’s wider learning offer.

Expert is aimed at G7 or senior management equivalent. If you would like to participate but are unsure if you fall into this category please speak to your line manager.

In keeping with the location strategy we are committed to delivering the GCS Advance programme across locations in the UK. In 2025 we will be hosting SkillsCamps in London, Leeds, Edinburgh, Bristol and Liverpool

Completion of the Expert programme equates to 30 CPD points.