CARE Leadership Programme
HOW DOES IT WORK? ‘The opportunity to meet other people from a wide range of political views and to discuss, debate and work out how our faith plays out in the public square has been incredibly valuable.’ 2012/13 Graduate The Leadership Programme is an eleven month, full-time commitment that runs from September to July each year. It is an endorsed course by the Institute for Leadership and Management. The Leadership Programme begins each September with a month of preparatory training and teaching. For the remainder of the year, participants volunteer for four days each week in an educational and often challenging placement, predominantly in parliament and the third sector. Our graduates gain invaluable experience in research, public relations, marketing, media engagement, speech writing, administrative Above and cover group: Leadership Programme 2011/12
tasks, advocacy and campaigning. Many of our alumni use these skills to build successful careers in related areas of politics, business and
‘I would recommend the Leadership Programme to anyone wanting to be challenged and equipped as an effective worldchanger. It was the perfect step after university, solidifying the foundations of my faith in the context of a challenging work placement, with the support of like-minded Christian peers.’ 2011/12 Graduate
charitable work.
As this is a purely educational Programme, participants are at no time asked to lobby on behalf of CARE.
On Fridays from October to July, graduates participate together in the Programme’s academic and practical training course. They study three modules each term: one devotional, one academic and one practical.
‘Fridays and study weekends have been a highlight of the Leadership Programme. The partnering of fellowship and prayer with the opportunity to discuss such a wide range of challenging issues creates an incredibly safe environment for learning, being challenged, and being encouraged in my faith.’ 2013/14 Graduate
Each module addresses a different aspect of Christian engagement with culture and politics and contains lectures, seminars and workshops. We also host three residential Study Weekends during the year and arrange several evening events with guest speakers. Graduates complete assessed work over the year and receive a certificate upon successful completion of the Programme.
‘I developed valuable writing and research skills, useful in any field of work but particularly policy-focussed roles. More than this, I feel I now understand the world of politics better, particularly the role that Christians can play in transforming and renewing it.’ 2008/09 Graduate
HOW TO APPLY? If you are interested in applying for a place on CARE’s Leadership
The closing date for applications is in November each year. In December,
Programme, you will find our application form at:
all shortlisted candidates must attend a Selection Day in London.
www.care.org.uk/leadershipprogramme We encourage candidates to consider the following criteria in preparing to apply: Education: Applicants should have a strong academic record to degree level. Those applying are usually recent graduates. Placements will be appropriate to the interests and skills of successful applicants.
Candidates who are successful at this stage will then be accepted on to the Programme and CARE will arrange a suitable placement. The Leadership Programme runs from the beginning of September each year until the end of the following July. A certain amount of pre-reading is required prior to the start of Programme. CARE provides an educational, needs-based bursary for the duration of the Programme and covers costs associated with the Induction, Study
Experience: It is important for applicants to display previous interest in
Weekends and any Programme-related travel. We encourage those with
politics, media or social action at a grassroots or national level. This could
concerns about financing the remainder of their expenses to contact
include, but is not limited to, voluntary work for a charity, community
CARE for advice.
action projects, student politics, writing for a university newspaper or involvement in radio broadcasting. All candidates must also possess good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, an excellent ability to communicate and, above all, a willingness to serve. Faith: CARE’s Statement of Faith, which can be found on our website, is the driving force behind everything we do. You will therefore need to understand and be in agreement with the Statement. For more information, go to www.care.org.uk/about
Lyndon Bowring and Nola Leach with the 2013/14 graduates
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP It is exciting to see the scope of social and political action in the Church
Running for over twenty years, the Leadership Programme has a reputation
today. This development is central to our mission at CARE, and in
for attracting and fostering talent in the parliaments of Westminster,
particular to our Leadership Programme. The Programme combines
Edinburgh and Brussels, alongside the third sector and media. Over
vigorous academic study with the practical experience of voluntary
250 people have graduated from the Programme and are making a real
placements, equipping its participants for a lifetime of integrity
contribution to our changing world. Is it time for you to join them?
and service in the public square.
‘The establishment of the Leadership Programme is one of the most strategic decisions CARE has ever made. We see great potential in young Christians who participate in social and political action as an outworking of their faith. The Leadership Programme exists to equip them as the leaders of tomorrow.’ Lyndon Bowring, Executive Chairman, CARE
Nola Leach, Head of the Leadership Programme
www.care.org.uk/leadershipprogramme leadershipprogramme@care.org.uk
‘For over two decades, the CARE Leadership Programme has been equipping thoughtful and politically intelligent young men and women for a lifetime of engagement in the public sphere, underpinned by the radical imperatives for service that their faith requires. Offering practical experience, intellectual rigour and a community of learning, the Programme is an invaluable year for those considering a call to cultural leadership. A good number are now active in politics,
‘...the search for a Christian mind is not, in the end, a search for mind, but a search for God’ Mark A. Noll
some are MPs and others are working successfully in the broadcast media as creative leaders and in other social impact organisations. It has achieved its objectives. I warmly commend it.’ Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE
53 Romney Street, London SW1P 3RF e: mail@care.org.uk t: 020 7233 0455
www.care.org.uk The CARE Leadership Programme is endorsed by the Institute for Leadership and Management
CARE is a mainstream Christian charity that provides resources and helps to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. CARE is represented in the UK Parliaments and Assemblies, at the EU in Brussels and the UN in Geneva and New York. CARE (Christian Action, Research & Education) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales at 53 Romney Street, London, SW1P 3RF, Company No: 3481417, Charity No: 1066963, Scottish Charity No: SC038911 Executive Chairman: Rev Lyndon Bowring Chief Executive: Nola Leach 6/14