Roads Academy is an award-winning leadership development programme delivered by National Highways for the supply chain to develop the current and future leaders of our sector.
We have developed unique blended leadership development programmes focussed on harnessing tangible benefits at the sectoral, organisational, and individual levels. Both of our programmes combine e-Learning modules with in-person action learning sessions. We provide learners with opportunities to apply their learning through collaborative Value Hubs with other learners to address sector challenges.
Our learning programmes include:
- Aspiring Leaders: Aimed at mid-level managers or those aspiring to reach mid-level management, individuals in client or supplier-facing roles and/or individuals who have been identified as high potential within their organisation. These individuals are keen to further develop their leadership skills, collaborate with like-minded individuals and apply their learning and experience to sectoral challenges
- Strategic Leaders: Aimed at senior leaders, and those working towards moving into senior leadership roles, who are looking to further develop and apply their strategic leadership and change management skills. These leaders will have the opportunity to apply their learning to complex sectoral challenges to support sectoral innovation and transformation
We have three key themes which form the basis of leadership development through Roads Academy:
- Operational Excellence: Covering learning subjects such as project management, budgeting, running successful teams and improving collaboration
- Emotional Intelligence: Covering learning subjects such developing emotional intelligence, becoming a great coach, and developing great listening, questioning and presentation skills
- Future Capabilities: Covering learning subjects such building resilience, thinking outside the box and moving to a more strategic way of leading and actioning a vision
Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Recognition
Roads Academy has a partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which means our graduates receive Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status when they complete Roads Academy. They also benefit from 12 months free access to CMI membership and learning, communities, support networks, resources and events. Learners who complete the Strategic Leaders programme also have a pathway to full chartership.
Roads Academy Impact
We are already seeing the impact of Roads Academy be felt across the sector:
- Our leaders developed a campaign aimed at engaging younger drivers and raising awareness about the dangers they pose to themselves and road workers when driving through roadworks. The campaign got 6 million views on TikTok in the space of two weeks
- A E Yates used Roads Academy as its internal leadership development programme. Its learners used Roads Academy teachings to improve project performance, with the A595 Moresby Hall project noting a significant efficiency improvement and being certified as carbon neutral. This project was the winner of Net Zero Project of the Year at the 2024 Strictly Highways Awards, and the Social Value Award at the 2024 Highways UK Excellence Awards
- Roads Academy’s learnings on innovation and sustainability have inspired Breedon Group to look at different safety practices such as recyclable PPE and digital reporting to reduce waste
- In the Contract Management Value Hub, there were some brilliant solutions including one on post-award processes. National Highways will be looking to implement this in future procurement and are confident that by doing this, it will reduce conflicts and ultimately get teams on the ground delivering for our customers
- Roads Academy was also used as a vehicle to cascade messaging for PAS2080 (carbon management in infrastructure guidance).
We have several intakes throughout the year. Check our website for more information or contact our team here.
