The Northern Network, in partnership with Natural England, is launching a new programme of support and development for people working in the green sector that are looking to enhance their business and leadership skills to take their community group or organisation to the next level.
This pilot programme will offer a unique and in-depth experience, providing a space away from the day-to-day, for new green leaders to come together for peer support, and guidance from experts on environmental, community, and business sustainability.
Who is it for?
The programme is designed for anyone that:
- Is in the early–mid stages of their career or organisation
- Has an idea for a new Community Interest Company, a community group, or initiative, but require support to understand how this could be set up
- Has established their organisation/group but are looking for more support with building their networks and understanding how to grow their organisation
When does it take place?
The programme takes place over 5 months, between July – November 2023. You must be able to attend at least four, but ideally five, of the workshop days at a venue in the North of England on one day each month, as follows:
| Date | Location |
| 25th July | Horton Community Farm, Bradford |
| 22nd August | One Knowsley, Liverpool |
| 19th September | Platt Fields Market Garden, Manchester |
| 24th October | West Boldon Lodge, Boldon, South Tyneside |
| 21st November | Cumbria |
What will it involve?
To take part, participants will be required to attend a series of in-person full-day sessions each with a guest speaker and a workshop led by an expert facilitator. Each session will have a theme and is designed to empower participants to think laterally about their own organisation, and support their growth. The themes are:
- Leadership
- Community
- Wellbeing
- Sustainability
- Reflections
Participants will also be matched with a mentor from a local Groundwork Trust who will offer ongoing support throughout the programme and help participants get the most from their workshops and sessions.
Participants will also be encouraged to document their experience, including through blogs and videos shared through the Northern Network.
What does it cost?
There is no charge for the programme, the Northern Network is piloting this subsidised learning programme to help support the development of leadership skills in the sector.
Furthermore, all participants will be allocated a personal development budget of £1,250 of unrestricted funding that they are free to either put towards their time and travel costs required to attend the workshops or to support their continued development between the sessions.
What happens after?
After the final session, there will be continued support on offer to help participants plan their next steps and to utilise the skills and networks they have built. There will also be a reunion session in early 2024, with a chance to reflect on the programme and share progress since its conclusion.
How to apply
The programme is open to 8 initial participants during this pilot cohort.
Applicants need to be residents in the North of England and be working or volunteering for an organisation/community group, or have an idea that benefits a community that is located in the North of England*. Participants must be able to attend at least four, but ideally, all five, of the workshops, in order to make the most of the opportunity.
To apply please complete our short form online:
*We are classing the “north” of England as the area that is covered by our five Groundwork in the North Trusts: Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside, Greater Manchester, North East and Cumbria, South and North Tyneside, Yorkshire.
UPDATE: The application process is now closed, to be considered for future cohorts, please email northernnetwork@groundwork.org.uk
