Level 3 Certificate in First Line Leadership and Management
- Start date(s): Depends on units chosen (varies from September-May) - this will be discussed at enrolment
- Centre(s): Online
- Course duration: Up to 20 weeks
Course details
This qualification is designed for new and aspiring managers who currently, or aim to, supervise and manage a team, project officer or shift manager to achieve defined outcomes.
On this course, you’ll pick up the skills and understanding you need to deal with management responsibilities and start your career with confidence. You’ll learn how to set and monitor goals and objectives by providing instruction, direction and guidance. As well as understand the day to day operational and project activities that are a key part of a managerial role.
Upon completing the Certificate qualifications you will be eligible for Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) Status which will kickstart your guided development pathway to becoming a fully-fledged Chartered Manager.
On this course, you can choose two units from the below.
Organisational Awareness for First Line Managers: In this unit, you will gain an understanding of how different organisations are structured and how factors such as culture, values, ethics and the external environment influence organisational success. You will explore how strategic plans connect to operational activities and learn how first line managers translate organisational objectives into practical actions for your teams. The unit will also help you to understand your responsibility for promoting organisational values, behaviours and inclusive working practices.
Approaches to Managing and Leading People and Teams: Through this unit you’ll explore the relationship between management and leadership and consider how different leadership styles can be applied in a range of workplace situations. You will develop practical approaches to engaging, motivating and supporting individuals and teams, while responding to different needs and aspirations. The unit also considers team challenges, effective communication, performance, wellbeing, equity, diversity and inclusion, helping you build the confidence to lead teams successfully.
Stakeholder Communication for First Line Managers: You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to build positive and sustainable relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will explore stakeholder mapping, different communication channels and ways to adapt messages to meet the needs of different audiences. The unit also considers potential communication barriers and how these can be overcome. You will apply your knowledge by planning and developing clear, accessible and professional communications for a stakeholder audience.
Delivering Organisational Activities: In this unit you will gain an understanding of how organisational activities are planned, managed and delivered to achieve operational goals. You’ll learn how to allocate and manage resources, identify and mitigate risks, monitor performance and ensure activities are delivered in line with organisational, legal and regulatory requirements. You will also develop practical skills in creating operational plans, communicating expectations, collaborating with stakeholders, measuring success and driving continuous improvement within your team and organisation.
Contributing to the Management of Change: In this unit you will gain an understanding of how projects are planned, managed and delivered within an organisation. You’ll explore project management frameworks, the project lifecycle, roles and responsibilities, and tools used to manage objectives, resources, risks, timescales and quality. You will also develop practical skills in planning your contribution to a project, monitoring progress, responding to issues and supporting effective project closure and review.
Professional Development as a First Line Manager: This unit will help you to understand why continuous professional development is important for your effectiveness, confidence and career progression as a first line manager. You will explore ways to assess their current management and leadership capabilities, identify personal strengths and areas for development, and consider a range of formal and informal learning opportunities. You will also create a professional development plan with clear goals to support their continued growth and performance.
This course will be delivered online via Google Classroom and as such you will need access to a device (laptop or computer) at home. You can apply to our Chromebook loan system if you do not have a suitable device.
For this course, you will be required to create a portfolio of evidence meeting the assessment criteria for the qualification.
To be eligible for this course, you must have a minimum Level 2 English and maths qualification or equivalent.
You will also need to be digitally confident to attend online classes and complete assignments throughout the course.
CMI - Chartered Management Institute
Our Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership is accredited by CMI (Chartered Management Institute) meaning that it’s recognised by a leading professional body in this field.
By completing a CMI-accredited programme, you will gain practical skills in leadership, team management and decision making to enhance your career prospects. This qualification can open doors to further professional development pathways and higher-level roles in management.
Foundation Chartered Manager is currently awarded to those who have completed:
- CMI Level 3, 4 or 5 Award in Management & Leadership
- CMI Level 3, 4 or 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership
- CMI Level 3, 4 or 5 EPA in Management & Leadership
- CMI Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Management & Leadership
- CMI Level 5 Diploma or EPA in Management & Leadership with less than 3 years’ experience
- CMI Level 6 Professional Management and Leadership Practice with less than 3 years’ experience
- CMI Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership Practice with less than 3 years’ experience
- 3x CMI Bitesize Programmes
- A CMI Recognised Programme.
Career and progression routes
Following this course, you could choose to further your learning by joining a Level 4 Certificate or Diploma in Leadership and Management with another provider.
You will also be able to use your newfound understanding and skills within your current role or to progress on to a more senior role in the same industry or another sector. Roles could include a team leadership role in any sector or front-line management.
Upon completion of the Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Leadership and Management, you will be eligible for Foundation Chartered Manager and be on the Chartered Pathway. Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) is a professional status designed to help you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey with all the benefits of CMI membership to support you.
For more information, please visit the CMI website here.