Lancaster University strengthens its professional development relationship with the NHS

Lancaster University is about to commence another programme offering educational and professional development to a sector of the NHS. The programme in question is the Diploma in Project Leadership being run by the Project Management Division.

The programme is a collaboration of ideas from the NHS and industry blended into the academic portfolio offered by the Project Management Division. The Diploma in Project Leadership is aimed at providing Project Directors within the NHS and associated industry the range of skills necessary for their changing working environment-adopting a partnering approach to capital procurement, as recommended by the Egan report.

The opportunity was won by Lancaster University in the face of stiff competition from other institutions more established within the NHS and Public Sector.

Graham Hackett, Director of the Project Management Division commented 'The flexibility of the taught modular system; the accessibility offered by part-time work-based learning and the strong emphasis on personal development of management competencies were crucial in Lancaster being able to submit a winning tender for the work.' The programme is initially being offered to the 170+ NHS trusts in England and the contractor companies working within the respective Trusts. Prospects for the University would indicate that there is a sound long-term relationship developing across another area of the Health Service.