Ben Gridley - Kings College London
Ben Gridley, Head of Technical Services at Kings College London, completed the Executive Programme in Strategic Technical Leadership in November 2023.
The programme, delivered by Nottingham University Business School's Executive Education team, was co-developed with the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS). It draws on expertise, experience and sector relationships to offer current and aspiring strategic technical leaders the opportunity to develop key skills for the critical roles they hold in their organisations. The role of strategic technical leaders is crucial in delivering technical strategies in institutions and this programme exposes delegates to relevant information and skills and equips them to lead this agenda.
Networking was, unexpectedly, one of the most effective and valuable elements of the programme for me. Connecting with peers in similar roles across the sector offered a unique opportunity to test theories, assumptions and ideas in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions on the Higher Education policy landscape, influencing senior leaders and skills for operational and strategic change were stand-out - highly engaging, inspiring, and delivering exactly the kind of 'trade secrets' you would expect in an executive-level course.
Kings College London are a signatory of the
Technician Commitment – a sector wide initiative to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for the technical community across higher education and research which currently stands at over 115 institutional signatories and sector supporters.
The 2023 pilot programme included a blend of in-person residential stays on Jubilee Campus and online interactive workshops. Following the success of the 2023 pilot, the programme is scheduled to run annually with the next cohort to start in July 2024.
Find out more about the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS).
