The first group of young governance leaders are about to complete the first stage of the pilot programme. They have had comprehensive training in corporate governance which has been complemented with other leadership skills. All participants have been helped to develop a personal development plan setting targets which will help them to step outside of their comfort zone and enhance their careers.

They have benefitted from workshops in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Networking Skills and Strategic Planning and been able to practice these skills at the many talks, seminars and presentations that they have been asked to attend and deliver at.

Many of them are now sitting on boards of voluntary and community sector organisations having been matched according to their interests. This includes opportunities as school governors, arts organisations, a housing association and a care based organisation.

Read some of the comments from 'Young Governance Leaders' participants

I am an accountant and accountants are future business leaders. Being part of ACGP is a great compliment to my accountancy. We can help shape with future of Birmingham and the wider society.  This programme equips me with the skills and knowledge needed to make me a strong business leader of the future. (Jerome McCalla)

The ACGP programme has put me in contact with high profile people who will help me to gain skills and adapt my business practice also providing me with the governance skills needed to run my business.  I have been able to interact with people of a similar mindset.  One of the highlights was attending the teach me to trade event giving me financial and investment knowledge. (Christopher Fenton)

ACGP is a fantastic opportunity to teach young leaders to influence change.  Helps us to understand good corporate governance and how this helps us to create sustainable change for the future. (Joel Graham-Blake)

ACGP is beneficial – it is challenging and stretching me to identify my weaknesses in my base knowledge as a Board member.  I find it inspiring and I’m really pleased to be part of this programme. (Melissa Shervington)

I have learned the difference between being operational and being strategic. (Esther Francis)