UK-based accountancy practice Robson Laidler Accountants has selected four senior staff to join its newly created Director Development Programme (DDP).
The programme has been designed to prepare potential future leaders for associate director positions.
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Client managers Ashlynn Pownall, Joe Brown and Stacey Rea, along with head of marketing Gemma Brannen, have been chosen following a formal application and assessment process.
The accountancy practice said talks are under way for two managers from its Teesside office to join the initiative later in the spring.
Running over 15 months, the programme is structured to build leadership capabilities in line with Robson Laidler’s “core values and competencies”.
The company said the programme offers external leadership coaching, in-house financial and commercial training, business development guidance, and sessions on emotional intelligence and difficult conversations.
Participants will also be tasked with a cross-team collaboration project, examining new methods to boost efficiency and client service, and will receive ongoing guidance from an assigned sponsor director.
The DDP has been established as a component of Robson Laidler’s broader succession strategy, aimed at giving senior managers the tools, experience and assurance required to progress into director-level posts.
Robson Laidler co-managing director Amy Park said: “The DDP is designed to give our senior leadership team the support they need to become associate directors.
“We are very excited to be starting the programme with our first cohort who will work through a structured agenda covering training, experience and values required for the role.
“They will shadow current directors, helping them build the confidence, insight and leadership skills needed for the next stage on their career pathway.”
