Prostate Cancer UK looks to Birmingham for new business talent

PROSTATE Cancer UK is teaming up with Birmingham City Business School to give the city’s brightest business minds the opportunity to get to the top in the UK’s biggest mens charity.

As part of a new work-based BA (Hons) in Leadership and Organisational Performance, Prostate Cancer UK is offering students a six-month paid work placement at its head office in London.

The charity, which is most commonly known for its association with international fundraising campaign ‘Movember’, will take on two BCBS students from January 2014.

The new BCBS Master’s degree, which begins in September, aims to bridge the gap between education and employment through collaboration with big name organisations. Students on the programme will be immersed in all areas of the partner businesses, from front line services right through to management and development.

Paul Forster, chairman at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “I have worked with business schools for over 20 years and have found that much of the research is interesting but esoteric. I want to recruit new talent which is ready to hit the ground running, which is why I was excited to hear about the new Master’s in Leadership and Organisational Performance at Birmingham City Business School.”

Since Forster joined Prostate Cancer UK, the organisation has grown from a turnover of less than £2m with only 16 staff to £30m with a team of 150. The charity recently pledged £25m to medical research over the next three years.

Forster added: “The speed of our growth means we have to adapt quickly and need able managers to look after this organisational change.

“Those joining us from BCBS will make a real contribution to various areas in the charity. Whether it be the coordination of specialist projects aimed at educating Afro-Caribbean communities in the UK or development of our international relationships, there is real work to be done and I’ve no doubt that this Master’s programme will be a success for both us and the candidates involved.”

Birmingham City Business School’s MSc in Leadership and Organisational Performance blends academic theory and management practice knowledge to equip students with the skills they will need to succeed in their careers.

Existing employees of a sponsoring association can undertake the programme and complete the fast-track degree in just two years.