The Government Office for Science has launched a new leadership development scheme for mid-career scientists and engineers.
The part-time, 12-month pilot scheme is seeking applications from across academia, industry and the public sector – both public and civil servants – and related organisations. There are 30 funded places available.
The scheme is aimed at mid-career scientists and engineers with a strong interest in working with or in the civil service and is designed to enhance thier leadership capabilities and develop their understanding of how the civil service functions, including how government uses science and engineering to shape and deliver policy.
GO-Science said one of the aims of the Leadership Development Scheme for Mid-Career Scientists and Engineers is to "demystify civil service professions and functions – by breaking down barriers and challenging myths around the work of the civil service".
It will also offer the opportunity for participants to build contact networks across the civil service, industry and academia, with the added option of an alumni scheme.
Participants will take part in approximately one learning day each month over the course of 12 months, starting this spring. It will be delivered through a blend of online and in-person events based in locations around the UK, with travel and subsistence costs and reasonable expenses reimbursed by GO-Science.
GO-Science will deliver the programme with support from senior civil servants from across government, the government policy profession, and professional leadership development trainers.
As this is a pilot scheme in its first year, participants will be asked to provide feedback throughout the programme to shape the activities and the approach for future years.
Candidates must currently hold a position that demonstrates senior responsibility for science or engineering knowledge development, management of the work of other scientists or engineers, or management of projects including providing technical oversight.
Current civil servants applying for the scheme must be a substantive grade 6 or grade 7 (i.e. not on temporary promotion) and must not be undergoing any formal performance procedures.
For candidates from an academic or research environment, the expected level of seniority would range from early career fellowship, research fellow or junior group lead to senior lecturer or associate professor. For those in industry or public sector settings, the expected level of seniority would be equivalent to senior scientist or engineer, technical leader such as a lead technician or lead engineer, programme or project manager or director.
There are also minimum qualifications. Candidates from academia must hold a PhD in a science, engineering or social/behavioural science subject. Candidates from outside academia must hold a PhD or hold a postgraduate qualification in a STEM field (at least masters level) and a professional qualification that demonstrates depth of specialist science or engineering knowledge and its practical application to solve complex problems.
In a foreword to the candidate pack, government chief scientific adviser Prof Dame Angela McLean said the scheme aims to develop mid-career scientists and engineers into influential leaders who "understand government processes, can engage with policy, and build networks across sectors" and who have "the skills to work on complex policy issues and to inform solutions to national challenges".
She added: "I am passionate about building a more scientific civil service: open to diverse expertise and backgrounds, better connected to the wider science and engineering community.
"If you have the experience and motivation to make a positive difference through the better use of science, evidence and technology in government, then I encourage you to apply."
The deadline for applications to the scheme is 11.55pm on Monday 9 February.