On Monday, 28th October, Dumfries and Galloway College proudly hosted its first event as an accredited Chartered Management Institute (CMI) centre, offering a platform for insightful discussion, learning, and networking. The event addressed a theme highly relevant in today’s professional landscape: the ‘accidental manager’—a situation where employees find themselves in management roles without formal training.
Highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with this common scenario, the event underscored Dumfries and Galloway College’s commitment to providing meaningful management development in partnership with the CMI.
With around 600,000 managers in Scotland, an estimated 82% have stepped into their roles without formal management training, making them ‘accidental managers.’[1] This scenario can result in significant challenges for employees and businesses, as individuals unprepared for managerial responsibilities may struggle with team dynamics, performance management, and strategic decision-making. At the event, speakers and attendees explored these issues, through keynote presentations delivered by Renee Raper, Iain Tinniswood and Peter Deakin from the CMI’s Scotland Regional Board, followed by a energetic interactive panel discussion when the trio were joined by local representatives, Colin Shaw and Lee Hunter. Everyone shared experiences and thoughts on how management training can help ‘accidental managers’ gain the confidence and skills to lead their teams effectively.
The event also served as a unique platform for Dumfries and Galloway College to inform participants of CMI-accredited courses on offer, specifically designed to bridge the skill gaps in management. The courses focus on practical tools and techniques for effective leadership, providing new and aspiring managers with a structured learning path to confidently assume their roles. As a result, businesses in the region can anticipate stronger team cohesion, higher productivity, and more effective operational leadership.
Benefits of Level 3 and Level 5 CMI Training for Employers and Employees
The college offers both Level 3 and Level 5 CMI management training, each providing unique benefits to employees and their organisations.
Level 3 training is ideal for those new to management, focusing on foundational leadership skills, team building, and communication strategies. For employers, having managers trained at this level ensures that staff can handle day-to-day managerial responsibilities with greater confidence, leading to a more productive and motivated workforce. Employees, on the other hand, benefit from increased confidence in their abilities, enhanced job satisfaction, and a clearer understanding of their roles. The next start date for Level 3 is the 22nd of November.
Level 5 training, meanwhile, is tailored to those in more established or mid-level management roles and dives deeper into strategic decision-making, performance management, and operational planning. Employers who invest in Level 5 training see enhanced productivity, better staff retention, and more proactive management styles within their teams. Employees gain strategic insights, a stronger grasp of complex managerial challenges, and recognised qualifications that support career progression The next start date for Level 5 is the 5th of December.
As the college continues to collaborate with the CMI, it remains dedicated to supporting the development of managers, ultimately strengthening our region’s business environment by transforming ‘accidental managers’ into strategic leaders.
Both courses are ideal for those interested in management and leadership development opportunities.
[1] CMI 2024