Who is the Aspirant DCS Programme for?
Individuals who aspire to the role of director of children's services (DCS) and who have worked in some aspect of children’s services at assistant director level or equivalent. Programme participants 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 this criteria and will be able to commit the time (typically 12 to 18 months) to complete the programme in full, will require sponsorship from their line manager or other appropriate senior colleague.
The programme will not meet the requirements of everyone who aspires to be a DCS. It is not a pre-requisite for becoming a DCS, nor a guarantee of appointment. This is an intensive 12 to 18 month programme and therefore it is critical that you consider fully whether this will best meet your 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 succession planning.
Participants for the programme will be selected through a rigorous assessment process.
National Leadership Qualities Framework
The National Leadership Qualities Framework provides the developmental context for DCSs, and those who aspire to the role of DCS, to benchmark their knowledge, skills and behaviours against a set of functional statements which serve to define their responsibilities within the context of local delivery. It aims to make functional sense of the aspirations outlined in statutory guidance related to the role of DCS. The assessment process for the programme is based on this framework so it is recommended you familiarise yourself with this document.
Self assessment questionnaire
A self-assessment questionnaire is available during the application process to inform potential applicants of their suitability for the programme. The questionnaire provides reflective and developmental feedback. Potential applicants should use the output of this to contribute to a discussion with their potential sponsor. The questionnaire is for the potential applicant's use only and will not be held by the National College.
The application process for the 2010 cohort of this programme is now closed. Consequently, the current self assessment questionnaire has been removed from our website. The questionnaire will be made available again towards the end of 2010, before the launch of the application process for the next cohort. Please contact dcsprovision@nationalcollege.org.uk if there are any further queries.
Guidance
It is recommended that potential applicants and sponsors read the guidance in full, to understand the detailed requirements for assessment.
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