Leadership centre formally launched at university

The University of Huddersfield’s Sir George Buckley Leadership Centre, named after a Yorkshire-born leader, has been officially launched.

The centre aims to support aspiring and senior leaders in the region looking to develop their leadership skills in 2021 and beyond.

Named after 3M’s former chairman who in October became the University’s chancellor, the centre has been developed in response to feedback through the university’s business teams, from companies and public sector organisations looking to develop their leaders and managers in increasingly difficult times.

It will operate out of the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), a subsidiary of the University of Huddersfield, which also bears links to the university’s famous alumni.

The centre will unite the best of global research expertise from the Huddersfield Business School with practical hands-on learning from experienced facilitators skilled at developing leaders.

These programmes are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and are aimed at companies and public sector organisations interested in bringing together current and future leaders to learn from leadership development specialists and equip them for the challenges ahead.

Programme director Sue Alderson and Sir George Buckley at the launch of the Sir George Buckley Innovation Centre

Sue Alderson, programme director of the new centre, said: “Due to the pandemic, programmes will run virtually initially and then will move back to a blend of physical sessions run from the 3M BIC, as well as online learning once restrictions allow this to be done safely.

“We hope to run several cohorts of leadership and management programmes each year, as well as adding new provision and bespoke programmes subject to demand.”

Professor Bob Cryan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, said: “Sir George has been tremendously generous in his support for the university over the years and has stated that his success in business was based on the scientific and technical training he received here at Huddersfield.

“With a truly impressive career that has seen Sir George rise to the top at leading multi-national companies, he has become one of the world’s most respected business figures, whose advice is highly sought after by both Governments and major corporations.

“We hope the Sir George Buckley Leadership Centre will inspire tomorrow’s leaders to help drive lasting change.”

Sir George said: “Challenging times, whether caused by a financial crisis or by a global pandemic, are thankfully few and far between, but leaders always need to be prepared to take measured risks and look for hidden opportunities.

“A successful leader will lead their companies through adversity, bringing them out the other side stronger and better than ever before.

“We always learn more on stormy seas than ever we do sailing in calm waters.”

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