LEAD 2.0 is an exciting transformation process that will allow us to increase the reach of our leadership programmes through a dynamic approach that blends online and face-to-face learning. Key to this transformation is a new operational model to secure our future as a self-sustaining social enterprise

The LEAD Board of Trustees met on Monday 9 January and had a number of very positive discussions about the progress and direction of the LEAD 2.0 transformation project. January has been a very busy month for LEAD, particularly for the Learning work stream members who have been preparing for a course-building workshop, continuing with the tender process for the new learning and network platform and scoping out plans for the 2012 LEAD Europe pilot programme. The LEAD team has also focused on building additional support through new partnership arrangements and reviewing the commercial model.

A progress update from the work streams can be found below. For more information about the LEAD 2.0 project, please contact Katie Singer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )

1) Market Research (managed by Graham Ward)

• Work is ongoing, no further updates this week

2) Transition Communications (managed by Katie Singer)

• Work on the design of LEAD’s communication and marketing plans is ongoing

3) Learning Systems and Network Platform (managed by Gillian Martin Mehers)

• LEAD International will be running a ‘Moodle Camp’ from 29 Jan – 2 Feb. The aim of the event is to use the learning management system Moodle to create 10 online courses that will become part of our virtual learning offering. LEAD staff and Fellows from around the world will be involved in the course creation, and we will also be working with external experts from organizations such as Forum for the Future, the British Council, and London University.
• Five technology providers have been selected to submit a tender proposal for LEAD’s new learning and network platform. The proposals are due back at the end of January and we hope to make a decision by the second week in February.
• LEAD is currently exploring an open badge system for the online learning platform. This exciting new technology would allow learners to demonstrate their achievements and collaborate virtually. The Learning work stream has just submitted a proposal to the Mozilla Foundation’s digital media and learning competition.
• A pilot project plan for the 2012 LEAD Europe Programme has been scoped out, which includes the LEAD Europe competency framework, the 2012 application process, criteria to reach Fellowship, curriculum components and the pricing of the 2012 Programme.

4) Commercial Modelling and Financing (managed by Mike Ellingham)

• The new LEAD International commercial model has now been reviewed by a group of Fellows and a number of external stakeholders.
• The model was presented to the Board of Trustees of LEAD International in early January and was approved by the Board.

5) Results Framework (managed by Janet Southern)

• Work is ongoing, no further updates this week

6) Partnerships and Marketing (managed by Graham Ward)

• A number of opportunities for strategic and/or pro-bono linkages are being considered.
• We have received an offer of pro-bono marketing support via IBM and are pursuing other connections in this area in relation to the launch of our new model in June.
• LEAD is now an official supporter of Climate Week – Britain’s biggest climate change campaign – and will be working with the Climate Week team on ways to promote LEAD’s activities

7) Global Project Support Facility (managed by Amit Arulananatham)

• Work is ongoing, no further updates this week

8) Network Governance (managed by Mike Ellingham)

• This work stream will commence in early 2012

9) Organisational Development (managed by Graham Ward)

• Work is ongoing, no further updates this week