In October 2013, the NCS Trust offered 98 NCS Graduates from the summer and autumn NCS Programme 2013 the opportunity to complete a five day residential leadership programme delivered by Future Foundations in partnership with the NCS Trust called NCS Leaders.The participants were all graduates of NCS in 2013, and came together from across the country to mix with one another while taking part in an intense leadership development programme, at a fantastic ex-5 star hotel in Wiltshire that has been converted into a PGL Centre.

The primary objective of the Leaders Programme was support the sustainability of the core NCS programme. It did this, and will continue to do this by creating a group of influencers to act as ambassadors for NCS, supporting recruitment and centrally organised media opportunities.

The programme built on the skills that the NCS Graduates developed on the NCS core programme over the summer, and included scenarios involving leadership training, team working challenges, inspirational speakers, media training and mentoring, delivered by Future Foundations and high profile supporters of NCS. The week included a visit to 10 Downing Street and the House of Commons, as well as inspirational speeches from Lilly Cole, Stephen Greene and our very own Chris Skilton.

“

I had the best week, and am much more confident after doing NCS Leaders

Participant
“

NCS Leaders: easily the best week of my life!

Marcus
“

I think that it was amazing and the staff and people I met were so inspirational that now all I want to do is spread the word about NCS and go and help people!

Participant
“

Brilliant! The programme was so well run and geared towards the young people, it was also great fun!

Participant
“

Thanks for an amazing experience it has made me a better person and I will continue to advertise NCS to others because I know it's a life changing experience.”

Participant
“

Thank you for the amazing opportunity, I can't explain how much I learnt or the confidence I gained.

Participant
“

In a really positive mood, mind focussed on my learning and ways to help the community all thanks to NCS after the eye opening leaders week

Jade Wright
Here is some of the feedback we received from the participants via The NCS Trust

Would you recommend the NCS Leaders programme to your friends?

97%

How would you rate the NCS Leaders staff - Overall?

96%

How would you rate the NCS Leaders staff - Fun/Enthusiastic?

96%

How would you rate the NCS Leaders staff - Knowledgeable?

94%

How would you rate the NCS Leaders staff - Approachable?

95%

How would you rate the NCS Leaders staff - Good one-to-one mentors?

95%

How would you rate the NCS Leaders staff - Well prepared?

94%

How would you rate the NCS Leaders staff - Accommodating of the needs of all NCS Leaders?

95%

How would you rate the NCS Leaders staff - Able to handle any situation?

94%

How confident would you now feel giving an interview to national media?

87%

How confident would you now feel taking part in marketing events?

91%

How confident would you now feel speaking to an MP or other politician?

94%

How confident would you now feel engaging with teachers from your schools/colleges?

94%

How confident would you now feel demonstrating your opinions/ideas to a group?

95%

How confident would you now feel working with people from different backgrounds

96%

How confident would you now feel encouraging other people to sigh up to NCS?

97%

How confident would you now feel leading social action projects?

93%

A Parent's Perspective

I just wanted to take a few minutes to send my heartfelt thanks to you and your team. I feel that the 100 students who attended the leadership programme had an incredible experience that they will never forget.

I did not have a clue what Joy was getting involved with in the summer but soon saw first hand how she benefited from her experience.

I have no doubt that this more recent opportunity will impact on her whole life. She is only just coming back down to reality after saying it was the best thing she has ever done. I read some of the notes in her envelope and could tell that Joy was not alone in her enjoyment.

Joy is now thinking about others a lot more -she has actually asked us as a family to participate in some volunteering over the Xmas period, perhaps with the homeless, probably as a direct result of the programme?

Anyway, I want to say THANK YOU ALL from her mum and I want to say THANK YOU ALL for what you have done for every child. I admire the workers and value what you, as an organisation are striving to achieve.

Debra Gingell, Parent of NCS Leaders Participant

“

I can't explain how much I learnt or the confidence I gained. I can't suggest anything to improve because it was run so well.

Participant
“

I cannot thank you enough. The coaches, staff and NCS Trust members really are amazing. I hope to stay involved in NCS

Participant
“

I had the best week, and am much more confident after doing NCS Leaders.

Participant
“

So good to see the NCS Leaders from all over the country in House of Commons today sharing their experiences with MPs. Great Ambassadors

Minister for Civil Society