Development of a management model for managers: leadership for VET CEOs: final report

This report summarises one component of the second stage of an ongoing national project funded by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) and undertaken by TAFE Directors Australia (TDA). The project addresses the issue of leadership and succession planning in TAFE, a key concern for TDA members as senior managers approach retirement age, taking with them their educational management and leadership skills. The first stage of the project addressed the leadership development needs of TAFE directors and senior managers. Stage two involved the development of a leadership capability...  [+] Show more

This report summarises one component of the second stage of an ongoing national project funded by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) and undertaken by TAFE Directors Australia (TDA). The project addresses the issue of leadership and succession planning in TAFE, a key concern for TDA members as senior managers approach retirement age, taking with them their educational management and leadership skills. The first stage of the project addressed the leadership development needs of TAFE directors and senior managers. Stage two involved the development of a leadership capability framework for vocational education and training (VET) for chief executive officers (CEOs) and research into and development of a future model for Australian VET middle managers. This report addresses the development of a leadership capability framework for VET CEOs undertaken by TDA and the trial of some associated professional development activities. Both stages of the project confirm the value of TDA developing leadership experiences for its members and those aspiring to TAFE senior management roles. The project shows that these experiences need to be broad and that there is an urgent need for formal succession planning processes and the resources to support them. TDA endorses the value of the leadership capability framework and leadership development tools and processes (e.g. the 360 degrees assessment process, shadowing and mentoring, leadership workshop) for senior managers and CEOs in TAFE institutions.