This year’s IoD Guernsey Leadership Shadowing Scheme has been called ‘a great success’ by organisers, with 45 students representing four schools taking part in what has been a difficult year for many participants.
The IoD Leadership Shadowing Scheme, sponsored by KPMG, provides a unique opportunity for sixth-form students to learn about leadership through an onsite placement, shadowing a business leader to observe first-hand how leaders motivate, advise and support the people they work with. More than 35 local organisations hosted students in 2021.
Rob Jones and Linda Johnson are the scheme organisers, Rob said: “After cancelling the 2020 scheme due to Covid restrictions we were absolutely delighted to bring it back in 2021. In the past 18 months, young people have lost many opportunities and we’d like to thank the many leaders who have taken up the opportunity to host students this year.”
The students will present their leadership observations to a judging panel during September and October. Following a shortlisting process, 10 students will be selected as finalists and will repeat their presentations at a special evening on Thursday 7 October 2021. Hosted by KPMG, the finals night will also hear from guest speaker Phil Eyre, Founder of Leaders Consultancy.
Source Recruitment has been instrumental in this year’s scheme, helping to place students with businesses and other organisations. Julia Martin of Source Recruitment commented: “It’s a great milestone to have hosted 45 students across 35 local businesses, shadowing leaders in different sectors and industries, and all with different leadership styles. We have received so much positive feedback from both students and business leaders, it’s clear that everyone who takes part benefits from the scheme.”
One of the local leaders who took part, Glen Tonks, Country CEO of Credit Suisse, said: “It was a wonderful experience participating in the Guernsey IoD Leadership Shadowing Scheme. Our shadow student from The Ladies’ College spent two days with us and I am sure I learnt as much from her as she did from me. It’s such a worthwhile exercise for leaders as well as the students.”
Linda concluded: “Thank you to all the leaders who took part. Almost all organisations have faced unprecedented operating challenges due to Covid and their commitment to the scheme demonstrates the generosity of our community.”
Presentations on the IoD Leadership Shadowing Scheme 2021 awards evening will be judged by a panel of industry leaders including Linda Johnson, Advisory Partner at KPMG, Wendy Dorey, Chair of the IoD Guernsey Branch, Brooke Kenyon, Director at Orchard PR and Rick Martin, Director of Source Recruitment.
If you would like to attend the awards evening or be part of the Leadership Shadowing Scheme, please contact [email protected]
