Recognition is for positive impact on student experience, professional development and employability

University of Exeter Business School shortlisted for CMI Higher Education Partner of the Year award

The University of Exeter Business School is among the finalists for the Chartered Management Institute's prestigious HE Partner of the Year award 2021.

The Chartered Management Institute is the UK’s leading authority on management and leadership, working with business and education providers to increase the number and standard of professionally qualified managers and leaders.

Its annual HE Partner of the Year is a national award given to Higher Education partners who have made an outstanding positive impact on student experience, professional development and employability as a result of their partnership.

This year the Business School has been recognised for its commitment to extending student choice in how to attain a degree through Degree Apprenticeships, and for its long-standing commitment to widening participation.

The Business School’s Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship is underpinned by the triple-accredited Exeter MBA, and the two-year programme is dual-accredited with the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.

The partnership with CMI on Degree Apprenticeships has created greater diversity among students undertaking management training, and the success of the partnership has seen the number of organisations the Business School works with soar from 55 to 199 in under three years. 

The shortlisting also recognises steps the Business School has taken to ensure academic progress is not negatively impacted by COVID-19, as a recent survey found 98% of Senior Leader apprentices felt their programme was meeting or exceeding expectations.

Rachael Johnstone, Director of Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Exeter Business School, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for CMI HE Partner of the Year have. The significant growth in Degree Apprentice numbers and increase in employer partners all demonstrate that UEBS supports CMI’s mission to increase the number and standard of professionally qualified manage and leaders.

“Every week we hear from students on our duel-accredited programmes who have made an impact in their organisation or personally through gaining knowledge, skills and behaviours to be better leaders.

“100% of our students are employed in management and leadership roles and students regularly take on additional responsibilities or gain promotion.

“Many of our alumni are now work place mentors for current students who through the UEBS and CMI duel-accredited programmes have found a common language and framework to be better managers through lifelong learning, development and support.”

The winner will be announced on 11 November at the President's Awards hosted by CMI President Lord Mark Price CMgr CCMI CVO.

Date: 1 July 2021