Overview:
In the lead-up to COP26, we delivered the Leadership for Sustainability Programme to schools across South Lanarkshire, equipping young leaders (ages 14-18) with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainability efforts in their communities and future careers. The programme focused on developing leadership skills, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of sustainable development. The goal was to prepare these young leaders to lead with purpose, confidence, and sustainability at the forefront.

Key Programme Highlights

Focus Areas:

• Leadership Skills Development: Participants learned essential leadership skills, including effective meeting facilitation and creating psychological safety in group settings. These skills are critical in fostering collaboration and driving innovation in sustainability efforts.
• Self-Awareness & Conscious Leadership: The programme helped students understand their own behavioural styles and encouraged a conscious, purpose-driven approach to leadership. Lessons were drawn from frameworks such as the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Students gained a foundational understanding of sustainable development, helping them apply these insights to real-world projects and initiatives.

Key Stats from Participant Feedback

• 91% of participants rated their understanding of leadership as 4 or higher (on a scale of 1-5).
• 55% of participants said their understanding of what makes a good leader had changed, particularly around listening, inclusion, and taking action.
• 100% of participants felt the skills learned in the programme would help them progress the work of the Youth Forum.
• 91% of participants rated their understanding of sustainable development as 4 or higher.
• 100% of participants rated the programme overall as 4 or 5, with an average of 4.5/5.
• 100% of participants rated the facilitator 4 or 5, with an average of 4.8/5.

What Participants Enjoyed Most

• "Group discussions about topics I find interesting."
• "Talking to other pupils in breakout rooms."
• "I liked learning about the business side of sustainability."
• "The community and collective aspect allowed us to share our ideas with each other."

Skills Gained and Applied to Everyday Life

Participants highlighted the following skills they gained:

• Climate Conversations: "How to have better and more effective conversations to create change."
• Systems Thinking: "Thinking about the bigger picture and considering the consequences of actions."
• Leadership & Facilitation: "How to have a climate conversation, be a good leader, and run meetings."
• Resilience & Confidence: "I’ve gained confidence in talking about things I’m passionate about and built resilience."

Areas for Development & Further Training

• Presenting & Pitching Ideas: Some participants suggested a session on how to present or pitch ideas would be beneficial.
• Further Integration of Sustainability in Schools: One participant recommended further training on how to incorporate sustainability into school projects and activities.

Overall Programme Success

The Leadership for Sustainability Programme was highly successful in preparing young leaders for the sustainability challenges ahead. Participants developed essential leadership skills, gained a deeper understanding of sustainability, and learned how to collaborate effectively. With high ratings for both the programme and facilitator, the feedback shows a strong impact on participants' confidence and readiness to lead in the sustainability space.

Key Quotes

• "My understanding of leadership is deeper. It’s not just about being good at your job but about listening, lifting others up, and taking meaningful action."
• "I now know that a good leader listens and helps the group express their views."
• "I learned how to have better, more effective conversations to create change."
• "I liked learning about the business side of sustainability and talking to others from different schools."

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If you're interested in running a similiar programme in a school, college or university - don't hesitate to get in touch.