Frequently asked questions for the Aspirant DCS Programme

Questions

1. I’m not sure that the Aspirant DCS Programme is for me. Who can advise me?
2. How ICT literate do I need to be to participate in the programme?
3. What happens after completing the online application form?
4. What are the responsibilities of the participant?
5. What support is available throughout the programme?
6. How do I access the online communities and materials?
7. Where can I get technical support?
8. What if I change my role during the programme – will that impact my attendance or sponsorship?
9. What happens if I can’t attend a residential?

Answers

1. I’m not sure that the Aspirant DCS Programme is for me. Who can advise me?

Please read the guidance to inform your decision about applying for the programme. As part of the assessment process for the programme we recommend holding a conversation with your proposed sponsor who will be able to assist you to make an informed decision.

2. How ICT literate do I need to be to participate in the programme?

An ability to use basic internet based software is required. Whilst participating in the Aspirant DCS Programme, you will be enrolled as a registered user of the Virtual Staff College. You will therefore be able to log into your account as often as you need for access to online tools and guidance.

Technical advice, if required, is available from: events@virtualstaffcollege.co.uk or telephone David Tilbrook on 0161 838 5764.

3. What happens after completing the online application form?

Once you have completed your online application it will undergo assessment. If you are successful following this assessment you will be invited to interview. Places on the programme will be awarded dependent on the outcome of your interview and, assuming you have been successful at this stage, you will be asked to attend a development centre at which you will be deemed to be a programme participant.

4. What are the responsibilities of the participant?

By applying to join the programme you are confirming your motivation to become a DCS or chief officer with responsibility for children’s services and intention to apply for a role as your next career move (anticipated in 12 to 18 months).

You will also commit to:

• attend the full duration of the programme (typically 12 to 18 months)
• complete your individual learning requirements, as defined by your personal learning plan agreed at the programme start
• contribute to peer learning experiences for the duration of the programme
• actively participate in scheduled group activities, as defined by the personal learning plan
• attend both of the residentials
• make best use of the available time of the sponsor to support your development
• undertake a number of work-based learning opportunities
• undertake a mid-point review and attending a scheduled end of programme review

5. What support is available throughout the programme?

There are various levels of support available throughout the programme as follows:

Aspirant DCS Programme lead: Participants will be supported during the programme by the Aspirant DCS Programme lead. Their role will be to act as the primary point of contact for all aspects of programme delivery.

Learning co-ordinator: The learning co-ordinator will support the participant to consolidate their learning. They will work closely with a small group of participants for the first 12 months of the programme in the style of an action learning set. The learning co-ordinator will be responsible for facilitating regional action learning set meetings, as well as providing participants with the opportunity for one-to-one support. Participants will therefore be able to develop a relationship with the learning co-ordinator that encourages critical self-reflection and challenge in a safe environment.

Sponsor: The sponsor will provide a participant with one-to-one support that is rooted in the practical realities of the chief officer with responsibility for children’s services role. They will act as both a mentor and a critical friend, providing practical support as well as professional challenge to enhance learning. Their role will commence with the start of the application process and will continue throughout the duration of the programme. It is expected that a sponsor will either be the line manager of the applicant or another appropriate senior colleague, who is able to complete the required information in the sponsor nomination form.

6. How do I access the online communities and materials?

Application for the programme includes enrolment as a registered use of the Virtual Staff College which provides access to the online community and to online materials and publications.

7. Where can I get technical support?

Technical advice, if required, is available from: events@virtualstaffcollege.co.uk or telephone David Tilbrook on 0161 838 5764.

8. What if I change my role during the programme – will that impact my attendance or sponsorship?

The expectation is that once you have enrolled on the programme, you will be expected to complete it, even if you change your role. In very rare circumstances it may be possible for you to defer your place or withdraw from the programme. The deferrals and withdrawals policy sets out the circumstances in which this will be deemed appropriate, together with the process to be followed in such circumstances.

9. What happens if I can’t attend a residential?

All participants are expected to attend residentials. If you are having a problem with any of the dates, please contact the programme lead as soon as possible to discuss this.