ukactive has kicked off the application process for its new Future Leaders programme, which aims to equip the next generation of industry executives with the tools to lead the sector into a new era of growth.

Candidates can apply from today (4 March) for the week-long leadership development programme, which will take place at Barcelona’s world-renowned IESE Business School in July 2016.

ukactive is inviting members to put forward “high-flying individuals who are progressing through their organisation at a fast pace” with a view to these candidates becoming future sector leaders.

A ukactive admissions panel will select a “balanced group of participants based on their professional background and experience,” once the application window closes on 4 April. The cost per delegate for the programme is £5,500.

The programme will include a focus on five key themes for the industry: global trends and digitalisation; leading through uncertainty; operational excellence and efficiency; customer centricity; plus personal leadership and team management. Each theme will be led by one of IESE’s experienced professors.

“Future Leaders will mix the sector’s rising stars with the world’s finest business coaches and tutors to develop leadership skills while solving real-world commercial challenges,” said ukactive executive director Steven Ward.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the sector to hand-pick its brightest talents and improve their ability to think strategically about the issues facing the sector today, tomorrow, and far into the future.”

The content for the programme has been developed in collaboration with both IESE and CIMSPA, in line with the professional development framework for management. Graduates of the programme will earn credits towards CIMSPA fellowship status.

“The future leaders programme encapsulates what the sector needs for its most promising executive talent, added Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA.

“On the one hand CIMSPA is working to ensure that job roles in our sector are safe, secure and have a strong reputation from the bottom up, but future leaders shows the other side of the coin, that we have to promote excellence and reward high-flyers with the opportunity to develop.”

For more information, or to apply for the programme, click here.