As an employer of a prospective student on the Foundation degree in Leadership and Management, we understand that you will need to know about the commitment required in order to support your employee(s) through the programme of study.

Attendance

Students will attend the University for the taught element of the programme for approximately three hours on one afternoon every week. However, in addition to needing time for attendance, students will also need to read around the subjects and complete the assignments, most of which will be work-based as described below.

Work-based learning

Foundation degrees contain a higher degree of work-based learning than traditional degrees and many of the assignments students will need to complete will be projects based around their role in the workplace. Employers are urged to encourage and support students in these endeavours by providing sufficient opportunity and interest in the projects the students choose to undertake; indeed, many employers have been pleasantly surprised at the contribution to Continuous Improvement that many Foundation degree students have made through the projects they have completed on Foundation degrees.

Workplace mentors

Employers are encouraged to assist students by providing a workplace mentor, an experienced and knowledgeable employee who is prepared to assist with the development of another person in the workplace. Research indicates that employees in general and students in particular benefit greatly from the mentoring approach, and it reflects the need for development to be geared towards the needs of both the individual, and the organisation for which she or he works.

The Mentor does not necessarily have to be the student’s manager or even employed in the same part of the organisation as the student, but merely be available for support, advice and guidance.

The key features of a mentor might be summarised as follows:

• Someone who encourages and prompts the development of the student, identifying learning opportunities at work and assisting the student in planning their workload.
• Someone who is able to facilitate student development through discussing professional skills development, learning at work, their study within the University and reflecting upon learning, personal and professional values and career development.
• Someone who is able to provide counsel and guidance through technical, professional and workplace difficulties.

For the Foundation degree in Leadership and Management, the mentor is best described as someone who can act as critical friend, counsellor and educator of the student. It is also important to understand that the mentor will NOT be expected to play a role in any of the formal assessments of any student but is encouraged to offer support and offer constructive criticism throughout.

Mentors will be involved in the Foundation degree in Leadership and Management through:

• An invitation to attend the Induction Event which includes activities specifically geared towards mentors
• Regular invitations to take part in mentor activities where further development activities, advice, guidance and support will be given plus the opportunity to network with other mentors from different organisation