High Potentials Programme

We are pleased to announce that as part of the SMART Guernsey programme, the HPP has a number of fully-funded places available. 

To apply for a space, please complete the form below.

Agilisys, the leading technology and digital transformation specialist to the UK public sector, is delivering technology and digital transformation services to the States of Guernsey. This follows the States’ decision in 2019 to appoint Agilisys as its preferred partner for its SMART Guernsey Programme – a 10-year project to modernise IT systems and improve the delivery of public services through the adoption of digital technology, providing better access to services for islanders and greater operational efficiency for the States.

As part of the SMART Guernsey Programme, the partnership is committed to supporting the island’s economic development, creating significant and new opportunities for on-island businesses, entrepreneurs, employees and students.

The economic development part of the programme is being delivered by Blenheim Chalcot, the UK’s leading digital venture builder, together with two of its portfolio companies, Hive Learning and Avado. Founded in 1998, Blenheim Chalcot has a track record of successfully building over 40 companies - with Agilisys being one of its founding ventures.

The economic development programme is made up of a number of projects, one of which is ‘Scale up support’ – a mentor match-making initiative.

• What is the time commitment for HPP?
  • The commitment per week will vary throughout the programme, but you will be expected to dedicate 3-5 hours per week to the programme. The majority of that time will take place outside of normal working hours. However, the interactive seminars, customised webinars and the kick-off and graduation events will take place during the day, typically around lunchtime.
  • Participants will sign a statement of commitment saying that they will not use HPP as an excuse for any drop in the standard of their normal work.
• What is the application process like for HPP?
  • The application link will open in January 2022 and will close in early March. The application will consist of a handful of screening questions and three short-answer questions about what you hope to get from the programme. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers extended accordingly. Once selected, you will need to return a statement of commitment and your managers' signed approval to participate in the programme.
  • Please make sure you have discussed the programme and expected time commitment with your manager before applying.
• How many places on the programme can one employer have?
  • While employers are not guaranteed multiple places on the programme they will be limited to a maximum of 3-4. Applications will be reviewed and assessed on their merits on a rolling basis.
• What will the live sessions be?
  • Module 1: Leading Teams
    • Customised webinar: Leading teams effectively in a digital world
      • This session will focus on the development of teams and working practices over the last 2 years and what the future looks like. It will provide practical examples and workplace application, training participants to employ key strategies to lead their teams effectively in a digital world, including remote working teams, and how to get the best from your teams using digital communication tools.
    • Interactive webinar: Overcoming team dysfunctions
      • This session will cover key lessons from Patick Lencionu's seminal work, The five dysfunctions of a team. Participants will reflect on where they see these dysfunctions in their own teams and consider practical techniques for how they might overcome them.
  • Module 2: Change Management
    • Customised webinar: Follow the leader
      • Evidence shows us that change itself is never really the fundamental problem; more often than not, it is how the change has been managed. This webinar will equip you with the skills and know-how to manage change effectively within your organisation. Focousing on the 'people' management element and understanding of the change process will allow you to gain the buy-in required form individuals to ensure change is implemented effectively and efficiently.
    • Interactive seminar: Six thinking hats
      •  In this session we'll explore Edward de Bono's six thinking hats framework for more effective thinking. We'll begin with a reflection on our current thinking habits and then explore each of the six hats, what they stand for, and how they should be used. Finally, we'll put the hats to use by going in to breakout rooms and thinking through a proposition by agreeing to and going through a sequence of hats.
  • Module 2: Project Management
    • Customised webinar: Demistifying agile and scrum
      • This webinar will focus on the management of the project, including people, timelines, expectations and stakeholder requirements. There will be a strong focus on modern methods of project management such as Agile and Scrum, giving delegates practical examples and time to discuss their own examples and think about how they may be able to utilise these tools in their own workplace going forward.
    • Interactive seminar: Cadences
      • Strategy is easy- its the day-to-day that's hard! This session looks at the execution of the stated and how to decide on the cadences your business will operate on as you complete and take on new projects.
• When are the live sessions?
  • We are still lining up the precise dates and speakers for the live sessions. The information will be posted as soon as possible.
• What if I have to miss a live session?
  • Participants will sign a statement of commitment saying that they will do everything possible to attend all of the live sessions and to write to the programme manager when they expect to be absent. Please know that missing 2 of more live sessions may prevent you from graduating from the programme.
• What are the key learning outcomes for HPP?
  • You will be equipped with a range of business skills which will enable you to take part in cross-departmental and leadership level decisions.
  • You can also expect to further develop an understanding and appreciation of the mindset and processes required to implement change and transformation. 
• Will the entire programme be virtual?
  • Currently, the plan is for an all-virtual delivery. We are closely monitoring the ongoing pandemic and may try to host and in-person event if possible.