The Advanced Management Programme is helping to shape stronger, more confident club managers.
Newcastle-under-Lyme General Manager Richard Beech has embraced the opportunities presented by the Advanced Management Programme to bolster his skill set and drive meaningful change at his club.
Having completed a suite of courses including Food and Beverage, Finance and Accounting, and HR Compliance and Employment Law, Richard is now an Advanced Management Programme Award holder in Finance, Compliance and Risk Management.
As someone who has engaged so readily with the programme, he can attest to the benefits it can deliver for both the individual and the clubs they represent.
“I started by focusing on the areas that I thought I was weakest in,” he explained. “We have a busy food and beverage operation at the club, but I came from a PGA and retail background and had no formal training in that area. That course was really useful, and we’ve been able to put learnings from that into practice here over the last 18 months.
“I’ve definitely taken things away from each of the courses that have helped me in my role. From an education point of view, I feel I’m a better manager having completed them than I was before. It’s not just about the certificate – it does help you in your day-to-day role.”
That ability to translate learning into practical takeaways is central to how the Advanced Management Programme is helping to guide managers to meet the growing demands of their job.
“The demand on general managers is increasing,” said Richard. “The GM position has evolved from a volunteer position to a professional one, so expectations are higher, but the support network is increasing as well. The help is there now in a way it wasn’t a few years ago.”
The structure and scope of the programme allows managers to target specific areas of their role, building both confidence and credibility in key disciplines.
“The HR and Employment Law course was a very good example of the practical benefits of having a programme like this one that touches on so many aspect of the role. It was an area I felt I needed more assistance in, and I got that from the course. The delivery was excellent.
“You go in with an expectation of what you’re going to take away, but the value is several-fold. There’s the education and upskilling, but also the opportunity to speak with authority in meetings when you’ve got that certification behind you. When you’re sat around the board table or in a committee meeting, it adds weight to your argument.”
Alongside the formal learning, the programme is also helping to broaden the professional network of managers across the country, exposing them to different approaches and shared challenges.
“You’ll always take something new away, even if you’re familiar with the topic, but being around other managers is a big part of it. You get a different network of people, people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and you can pick their brains about how they’re approaching the same challenges.
“All the answers are out there. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel.”
That combination of practical education, peer-to-peer learning and recognised accreditation is what makes the Advanced Management Programme a growing force within the industry – equipping managers with the tools, knowledge and confidence required in an increasingly professionalised environment.
“I think the courses will surprise you. You might go in with certain expectations, but you’ll always come away with something that makes a difference to how you do your job.”
