Former 3M Chairman officially launches new Yorkshire University leadership Centre

The University of Huddersfield’s Sir George Buckley Leadership Centre, named after a great Yorkshire-born leader, was officially launched. The Centre aims to support aspiring and senior leaders in the region looking to develop their leadership skills in 2021 and beyond.

The Sir George Buckley Leadership Centre has been developed in response to feedback through the University of Huddersfield’s business teams, from companies and public sector organisations looking to develop their leaders and managers in increasingly challenging times.

Operating out of the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), a subsidiary of the University of Huddersfield, the Sir George Buckley Leadership Centre officially launched at a virtual event attended by 120 local and regional businesses and organisations and University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield Business School and 3M BIC representatives, as well as Sir George Buckley (pictured) who dialled in from the US.

Bringing together the best of global research expertise from the Huddersfield Business School with practical hands-on learning from experienced facilitators skilled at developing leaders, the programmes are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), chosen for its prestigious accreditation respected across the UK and overseas, as well as the University of Huddersfield’s experience of developing over 400 University leaders to gain Chartered Manager status.

The programmes are aimed at companies and public sector organisations interested in bringing together current and future leaders to learn from leadership development specialists and equip them for the challenges ahead.

The Sir George Buckley Leadership Centre will offer the following flagship programmes from April 2021:

CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership
This 9-12-month programme is ideal for middle managers and aspiring leaders. It has been designed to unlock leadership skills to help inspire, develop, and motivate teams, from managing conflict to coaching and mentoring.
CMI Level 7 in Strategic Leadership
This 9-12-month programme is best suited to directors and strategic leaders. It is designed to explore leadership skills and create stronger leaders that can think more strategically and innovatively.

Sue Alderson, Programme Director of the new Centre (pictured), said: “Due to the pandemic, programmes will run virtually initially and then will move back to a blend of physical sessions run from the 3M BIC, as well as online learning once restrictions allow this to be done safely. We hope to run several cohorts of leadership and management programmes each year, as well as adding new provision and bespoke programmes subject to demand.”

Professor Bob Cryan, CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, explains why the centre has been named after Sir George Buckley: “Sir George has been tremendously generous in his support for the University over the years and has stated that his success in business was based on the scientific and technical training he received here at Huddersfield.

“With a truly impressive career that has seen Sir George rise to the top at leading multi-national companies, he has become one of the world’s most respected business figures, whose advice is highly sought after by both Governments and major corporations. We hope that the Sir George Buckley Leadership Centre will inspire tomorrow’s leaders to help drive lasting change.”

University of Huddersfield graduate, former 3M CEO and the University’s new Chancellor, Sir George Buckley, said: “Challenging times, whether caused by a financial crisis or by a global pandemic, are thankfully few and far between, but leaders always need to be prepared to take measured risks and look for hidden opportunities. A successful leader will lead their companies through adversity, bringing them out the other side stronger and better than ever before. We always learn more on stormy seas than ever we do sailing in calm waters.”