Project Leadership PProgramme (PLP)

To secure two places on the Project Leadership Programme (PLP) for Natural England colleagues (Amy Hutchins and Hannah Collins). The PLP is a government-recognised leadership development programme commissioned by NISTA and designed to strengthen project leadership capability across the public sector. The programme develops leadership of self, commercial leadership and technical project leadership through a combination of residential modules, coaching, assessments and practical application.The Project Leadership Programme is a unique programme commissioned by NISTA specifically to develop senior project leaders across government. This is the Civil Service project delivery profession endorsed training programme. The programme is delivered exclusively by Cranfield University School of Management in partnership with PA Consulting Group and The Project Academy. Places are allocated through a controlled nomination process and the programme is not available through alternative providers. As the requirement is attendance on this specific government-recognised programme, there is no equivalent supplier able to provide access to the same programme, curriculum, accreditation, network and government-wide professional development opportunity

Knowledge transfer is being embedded throughout to ensure learning and capability are retained within the organisation. Participants will be expected to share key insights and learning with colleagues through team updates and knowledge-sharing activities, helping to build wider organisational capability. The programme is also intended to develop internal leadership and project delivery expertise, reducing reliance on external providers over time. Whilst the specialist nature of the programme means the selected supplier offers a unique and established product, the knowledge and skills gained will remain within the business and be applied across future change and transformation initiatives.

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The STA route enables Natural England to secure places on the nationally recognised PLP programme. Participation will strengthen project delivery capability, leadership skills and professional networks, supporting improved delivery of major and complex projects across Natural England and the wider Defra Group. The programme is specifically designed for senior project and programme leaders in government.

Natural England will continue to review the market for comparable leadership development opportunities. However, access to the PLP itself remains restricted to the designated programme provider commissioned by NISTA. Where alternative development needs arise, competitive procurement routes will be considered.

This is a one-off development opportunity for participants rather than an ongoing service contract. Future leadership development requirements will be assessed independently, and alternative providers will be considered where appropriate.

The programme fee is published and standardised across government departments. The cost includes tuition, residential modules, coaching, assessments, learning materials and accommodation. The programme is commissioned for government project leaders and provides access to specialist development, professional networks and recognised accreditation, representing value for money