Frequently asked questions for the Aspirant DCS Programme
Read the questions posed at the regional information sessions
1. Who should apply for the Aspirant DCS Programme?
The programme provides leadership development for those individuals who aspire to the DCS role. Individuals suitable for the role will have worked in some aspect of children’s services at the assistant director level or equivalent. Individuals ready for the programme will be highly committed to becoming a DCS and will envisage applying for a DCS post between 12 and 18 months from their application for the programme. Those who feel they meet these criteria will require sponsorship from their line manager or other appropriate senior colleague and will be able to commit 28 days (over a 12 to 18 month period) to complete the programme in full.
2. I'm not sure that the Aspirant DCS Programme is for me. Who can advise me?
Please read the guidance to inform your decision about applying for the programme. As part of the assessment process for the programme we recommend holding a conversation with your proposed sponsor who will be able to assist you to make an informed decision.
3. How ICT literate do I need to be to participate in the Aspirant DCS Programme?
An ability to use basic internet based software is required. We will ask you to register to become a member of the National College and once you have registered, you will be able to log in to your account as often as you need for access to online tools and guidance. Technical advice, if required, is available from our helpdesk on 0845 609 0009.
4. When and how can I apply for the Aspirant DCS Programme?
The application round closed on 30 June 2010. It is your responsibility to ensure that both your application and sponsor nomination form reached us by this deadline. Programme activity will begin in September/October 2010.
5. What happens if I miss the deadline?
There is currently only one intake scheduled per year with a maximum of 40 places available. There is likely to be a second application round in spring 2011.
6. I have just completed the online registration for the College and the application for the Aspirant DCS Programme. What happens next?
Once you have completed your online application it will undergo assessment. If you are successful following this assessment you will be invited to interview. Places on the programme will be awarded dependent on the outcome of your interview and, assuming you have been successful at this stage, you will be asked to attend a development centre in September/October 2010.
7. What is the overall time commitment for the Aspirant DCS Programme?
Participants will spend between 12 to 18 months on the programme depending on the outcome of the development centre and any likely work or personal constraints. The estimated time commitment over the duration of the programme is anticipated to be a minimum of 28 days.
8. What are the responsibilities of the participant?
By applying to join the Aspirant DCS Programme, potential participants are confirming their motivation to become a DCS and intention to apply for a DCS role as their next career move (anticipated in 12 to 18 months).
They will also commit to:
- attending the full duration of the programme (typically 12 to 18 months)
- completing their individual learning requirements, as defined by their personal learning plan agreed at the programme start
- contributing to peer learning experiences for the duration of the programme
- actively participating in scheduled group activities, as defined by the personal learning plan
- attending both of the residentials
- making best use of the available time of the sponsor to support their development
- undertaking a number of work-based learning opportunities
- undertaking a mid-point review and attending a scheduled end of programme assessment
9. What support is available throughout the Aspirant DCS Programme?
There are various levels of support available throughout the programme as follows:
Aspirant DCS Programme lead: Participants will be supported during the programme by the Aspirant DCS Programme lead. Their role will be to act as the primary point of contact for all aspects of programme delivery.
Learning co-ordinator: The learning co-ordinator will support the participant to consolidate their learning. They will work closely with a small group of participants for the first 12 months of the programme in the style of an action learning set. The learning co-ordinator will be responsible for facilitating regional action learning set meetings, as well as providing participants with the opportunity for one-to-one support. Participants will therefore be able to develop a relationship with the learning co-ordinator that encourages critical self-reflection and challenge in a safe environment.
Sponsor: The sponsor will provide a participant with one-to-one support that is rooted in the practical realities of the DCS role. They will act as both a mentor and a critical friend, providing practical support as well as professional challenge to enhance learning. Their role will commence with the start of the application process and will continue throughout the duration of the programme. It is expected that a sponsor will either be the line manager of an applicant or another appropriate senior colleague, who is able to complete the required information in the sponsor nomination form.
10. How do I access the online communities and materials?
Application for the programme includes registration as a member of the National College which provides access to the online community and to online materials and publications. Participants will be provided with access to an extensive resource of key knowledge areas that are critical to the role of the DCS. This will include materials in a variety of forms, such as case studies, podcasts and blogs, etc, designed to develop core understanding and expand participants’ awareness. Where the personal learning plan identifies the learning need, it is expected that participants will complete online learning modules as a pre-requisite to joining the first residential. Again, this will allow the development of a core foundation of knowledge across all participants prior to coming together as a whole group.
11. Where can I get technical support?
The National College helpdesk can be contacted by phone on 0845 609 0009 or by email at enquiries@nationalcollege.org.uk.
12. How much does the Aspirant DCS Programme cost?
There is currently no cost associated with the programme; however, we are reviewing this in line with College policy and at a point in the future there may be a fee for this programme.
13. What are the aims of the Aspirant DCS Programme?
The Aspirant DCS Programme contributes to children’s services leadership by focusing on those who aspire to the role of DCS. It will support their development as influential leaders who can inspire outstanding service delivery. The aim of the programme is to create a pool of candidates who by participating in the programme will have the necessary desire, knowledge, capability and experience to be considered for the role of DCS.
The programme will not meet the requirements of everybody who aspires to be a DCS. It is not a requirement for becoming a DCS and is not a pre-requisite to, nor a guarantee of appointment. This is an intensive 12 to 18 month programme and therefore it is critical for individuals to consider fully whether this will best meet their professional development needs. Other options provided by the College may be more appropriate at this stage in your career, such as initiatives which may be introduced regionally as part of the succession planning initiative. Details of other development options provided by the College can be found on the National College website.
14. Where can I find out more information about the programme?
Please visit www.nationalcollege.org.uk/aspirantdcs for more details of the programme.
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