Deadline: Sunday 13th April at 23.59 UK time.
The Future Leaders Connect Programme aims to provide future leaders with skills and international networks which will improve their ability to make or influence policy changes, leading to long term impact on the social and economic development in their countries and beyond.
The project is being undertaken to support the development of future policy makers in key countries, aiming to help them become exceptional leaders. The Programme is run by the British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN, United Kingdom.
As a member of Future Leaders Connect, you will travel to the UK for nine days of advanced policy and leadership development at the University of Cambridge. You will discuss today’s biggest global challenges in the UK Houses of Parliament, meet inspirational leaders and visit world renowned institutions.
Through Future Leaders Connect, we identify exceptional individuals (aged 18-35) from across the UK and around the world who could play a significant role in policy making and politics in the years ahead. If you believe you are an emerging leader with an understanding of policy making and the potential to be a senior leader then this could be the opportunity for you.
You must be able to travel to the UK, arriving on the 22 October 2018 and departing on the 1 November 2018 with a valid passport. If you believe there is any reason you may be denied a visa you may want to consider whether to submit an application, as the British Council is unable to facilitate or guarantee that you will receive a visa.
Future Leaders Connect (the “Programme”) is where exceptional young people from around the world will join a long-term network of emerging policy leaders (“Participant(s)”). They will develop their policy making expertise, make valuable connections and gain the skills to have real impact. Together they will discuss major global policy issues in the Houses of Parliament, engage with inspiring leaders, visit some of the UK’s leading global institutions and collaborate to produce innovative policy recommendations. The skills, experience and connections they make through Future Leaders Connect will support them to seize their leadership potential.
More about the types of people we are looking for:
- You should be able to passionately explain how you want to make change in your country and how this links to your vision for global change.
- You should have an understanding of policy and are interested in learning more about policy making.
- You should be willing to engage in this long-term opportunity with the British Council to become a member of Future Leaders Connect and be committed to the network.
- You are likely to be in your early to mid-career, aged between 18 and 35 (on Sunday 13 May 2018) and already have examples of when you have demonstrated leadership.
- You will need to be based in one of our participating countries (Canada, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tunisia, UK and USA) and be eligible to access a visa to come to the UK. Please be aware some of these countries have varying eligibility criteria. Applications from Egypt, India and USA are by invitation only.
- We are looking for emerging leaders who are committed to support the development of their country through policy change, and so encourage those to apply who have good knowledge and strong networks in the country they are based in.
- We are looking to find a diverse group of people with different experiences, ideas and backgrounds. The programme is fully accessible for those with disabilities.
- Be able to speak English at IELTS level 6 or equivalent (this means you would need to generally have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations).
- You do not need the official qualification.
- You cannot be currently employed by, or an immediate family member of, the British Council, Gradcore or the Møller Centre.
Following your time in the UK you will have worldwide connections, a policy action plan for change and the skills, knowledge and networks needed to be an influential leader in your country and beyond.
We recommend that you work on your responses to these questions offline before making your application, as you cannot save your application and come back to it at a later date, the whole application must be done at once.
1. Tell us about a time that you used leadership skills which led to a successful outcome. (100 – 350 words)
Remember, we are looking for people who are making change and have demonstrated leadership by making something happen. You can use examples from your personal or professional experience.
2. Tell us about one major global change you would like to see over the next five years. How will this impact your country? (100 – 350 words)
Remember to ensure your vision is wide reaching, with global and local significance. Is your idea addressing a real need?
3. How would you use policy making or influencing to achieve this change? (100 – 350 words)
Remember to use this answer to demonstrate your understanding of how policy change happens. How would you personally be involved in making or influencing the policy change? What evidence, analysis, contacts and other things you would you need to make it happen?
4. How would you share what you learn from this programme with others if your application was successful? (100 – 300 words)
We are looking for individuals who will make change in their countries and globally. How will you share what you have learned by informing others?
Benefits:
The costs of travel, accommodation and meals are covered by the British Council and the programme is fully accessible.
For those who do not gain one of the exclusive places on the programme, you will be invited to be part of the Future Leaders Connect Community where you can access a range of free online professional development policy and leadership resources.
