GCS Advance: Leader

Accelerate your journey to communications leadership with GCS Advance Leader. Our new leadership programme helps talented GCS senior managers with expert technical skills, at deputy director or grade 6 (or equivalent) levels, make the transition to strategic leaders of communications who inspire multidisciplinary teams, encourage innovation, drive change and have the confidence to operate at the highest levels.

This intensive blended programme, entirely focused on communications leadership in a government context, is delivered in partnership with the University of Huddersfield. It will run over 15 months and leads to a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Communication Leadership. There is also the option to continue to an MSc. 

In addition to the academic modules you’ll benefit from an extended offer including masterclasses with industry and internal experts, networking events and coaching, all designed to support your career progression. On completion of the programme, participants will join our alumni network of GCS leaders and enjoy ongoing professional development and opportunities to contribute to the leadership of our fantastic profession.


Please contact gcstalent@cabinetoffice.gov.uk for more information.

Key Dates:

  • Nominations open: 10 June 2024
  • Nominations close: 11:59pm on 26 July 2024
  • Final selection by: 16 August 2024
  • Induction: 5 September 2024
  • Diploma: October 2024 – December 2025
  • Optional MSc: January 2026 – June 2026

Eligibility:

GCS Advance Leader is available for communications professionals in departments, ALBs (including embedded communicators), and devolved administrations. The programme is for grade 6s and deputy directors (or equivalent grades in ALBs). You do not need to have completed other courses in GCS Advance to submit a nomination.

To be eligible:

  • Your director of communications (or equivalent) supports your nomination and will act as your sponsor for the programme.
  • You are a grade 6 or deputy director (or equivalent in ALB).
  • You are in one of the following boxes of the 9 box grid: early promise, star, excellent, strong, high potential.
  • You have confirmation of funding from your department / ALB. Please note, if your nomination is successful you will need to raise a purchase order as soon as possible to start the course. 
  • You can dedicate enough time to engage fully and complete the programme.
  • You are not participating in any other government accelerated development programme.

Cost:

The GCS will be part funding the costs of the programme. The cost to departments / ALBs per participant are:

  • Postgraduate Diploma: £3,100
  • Optional MSc: £2,730

Costs are exclusive of VAT.

Nomination and selection:

The nomination process will include a GCS assessment. Nominees must submit a written response to three questions (150 words per question). The questions will be reviewed by a GCS panel and will consider your ability and aspiration to become a high-performing GCS senior leader.

Responses must be supported by a written statement (max 250 words) from a senior sponsor who will describe how they believe the nominee is a great candidate for the programme. Senior sponsors should be a director of communications, or equivalent in ALBs. 

Depending on the level of nomination entries, individuals may also be invited to an interview.

Nominations for 2024 are now closed and will reopen in summer 2025. To express your interest before then, or for any questions or queries, email gcstalent@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Watch this video for more information on the programme and the nomination process.