G15 Accelerate leadership development programme success for Sandeep

Sandeep Dole, Housing Regeneration Manager at housing association Catalyst, part of the Peabody Group, has achieved merit on completing the G15 Accelerate management training programme for minority ethnic managers.

Published: 27/10/2022

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Organised by the G15, the group of some of the country’s largest housing associations, of which Catalyst and Peabody are members, G15 Accelerate is a high calibre Chartered Management Institute (CMI) leadership development programme that’s open to minority ethnic managers who want to accelerate their career trajectory.

The programme aligns with the G15 Ethnic Diversity Pledge, collectively signed by G15 CEOs in April 2020, that commits to a set of actions to improve the ethnic diversity of their organisations particularly at senior managerial, leadership and board levels.

G15 Accelerate helps to equip minority ethnic colleagues with the skills, confidence and connections to help develop their career. The 18-24-month course brings together talented colleagues and provides space for reflection, coaching and challenge.

Sandeep, who recently completed the programme, manages a team of eight colleagues who together work with residents and communities at Wornington Green in North Kensington and Friary Park in Acton, two areas of homes that are undergoing regeneration.

Reflecting on her time on the programme, Sandeep said:

‘The programme was an excellent opportunity for me to brush up on my skill set to enable me to best support my team and expand my knowledge and network. I was promoted into my current role in 2019 so the course came at a perfect time to support my professional development. I’ve learnt and grown so much through the programme, however, it was not without its challenges – juggling work commitments, family life and two school-aged children at the same time – but looking back I am a completely different person now with more professional management tools, leadership skills and knowledge to when I started the course. It has enabled me to grow and given me the time to reflect and refocus.

‘I’m more resilient, I think and respond differently with greater strategic and critical thinking – all valuable skills I’m using every day. The relationships formed in the cohort were fantastic and peers were incredibly supportive. We learnt so much from sharing our different experiences and approaches, and we all met and made great friends and networking contacts.

‘I’ve been speaking with colleagues who are interested in taking part in the next programme – talking them through the application process, what’s involved and sharing my experiences. It’s hard work but an amazing programme for professional development run by an industry-wide recognised body with an opportunity to work towards different levels of qualifications. I’m thrilled to have been awarded merit, and I’m grateful to Catalyst and the G15 for this incredible opportunity to help me progress in my career.’

Annemarie Fenlon, Managing Director (North West London) at Peabody commented:

‘I’m so proud of what Sandeep has achieved on the programme. Sandeep and her fellow members were the first cohort on this new programme and they’ve paved the way for future intakes to benefit from this brilliant initiative. Sandeep’s dedication and hard work have shone through – it isn’t easy balancing a full-time job and home life with studying on a course like this and Sandeep has done brilliantly. I know she’s reaping the benefits of the programme and I’m looking forward to working with her as she furthers her career.’

For more information about the programme visit G15 | G15 Accelerate