Meet the class of 2008 as they ‘graduate’ from a unique project to encourage and develop  Tomorrows Leaders.

The programme saw fourteen people from such diverse groups as Strathclyde Police, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association and various voluntary and community sectors work together to develop their leadership, communication and management skills.

Councillor James Coleman, Deputy Council Leader and Chair of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership (GCPP) declared the course a resounding success saying:

“The Tomorrow’s Leaders project shows that GCPP is determined to invest in the future by encouraging people who will be able to further develop our communities.

“This nine-month course was intense but it certainly gave the participants an opportunity to expand their skills to help enable change within the city. They have learned how to work together, become more adaptable and flexible and have a clear vision of how together, we can help our local communities.”

The Course Leader Norrie Gilliland, from the organisation Peoplematters said before the ‘graduation’ ceremony in Glasgow City Chambers :

“From my point of view it has been a great success. Everyone has tackled the project with great gusto and enthusiasm. As we progressed you could see their confidence and communication skills develop.

“The one thing I am sure of is that all of the group will return to their individual organisations better equipped to contribute, communicate and manage and with a clearer understanding on how to face challenges.”

The course, which was sponsored by The Scottish Government and GCPP, has proved such a success that other local community planning groups throughout Scotland are studying the course to see if it can be a blueprint for them to develop their staff.

One of yesterday’s graduates, Bruce Kiloh, an executive with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) summed up the mood of the class of 2008.

“ It was a great learning curve for us all. I think we benefited from dealing with different people and seeing different styles of leadership from diverse sectors. Perhaps most importantly we saw how various groups and organisations that serve the community should integrate".