Commonwealth Professional Fellowship Gurdish Sandhu Associate Director - Information Strategy University of East London

Introduction  Awarded by The CSC UK  Aimed at mid-career professionals  Only CSC scheme which is not academic in nature  Typically three months  Priority areas Agriculture/Fisheries/Forestry, Economic Growth, Education, Engineering/Science/Technology, Environment, Governance, Public Health and Climate Change

Supports programmes of professional development for citizens of the developing Commonwealth Allow transfer of skills relevant to the needs of The Commonwealth developing countries Platform to transform services through innovation Allows UK organisations to share good practice with, and learn from Fellows Dissemination of knowledge and skills learnt with Home employer (blogs, meetings..) Key Benefits of the Scheme

CSC issue call for nomination Host sets programme and identifies Fellow(s) Host inform potential applicants Host release training programme on EAS portal Applicants Register with CSC to use EAS (applicant portal) Process

Process cont. Applicants complete their section of form and “submit‘ Host assess applications based on the CSC criteria Host 'nominates' to CSC CSC Selection panel approve /reject applications CSC inform its decision to host Host inform the outcome to applicants

Assessment Criteria Minimum 5 years relevant experience Clearly outlined country benefits SMART aims /objectives Unambiguously demonstrated developmental potential Potential Impact

Application Tips Avoid sending CV to the host Fill in the form carefully, answer all the questions Attach all necessary documents e.g. Copies of certificates etc. Attach referees’ letters – it helps to speed up the process Avoid last minute submission Be clear what you expect from the fellowship? What matters? Your ability to learn, implement and potential of creating impact, not your qualifications

 Impact  Case studies  Ongoing engagement / continuation of blogs  Fellows will be expected to reside in the UK throughout the fellowship period  Fellows must not undertake paid work  Fellows must not offer bribery in any format  Termination of fellowship – due to misconduct, ill health, lack of progress etc. CSC Expectations

 I have been hosting CW Fellows since 2008  Complete your application yourself / Equal Opps  Professional behaviour  Observation of HOST working culture  Be sensitive to host culture  Learning attitude  Privilege not Right  Showcase country reputation / not just showing off yourself  Be Less demanding  Respect your country’s tax payer money and host country’s tax payers’ money  Punctuality, regular attendance Host Expectations

Visa costs Flight costs Arrival allowance = £ Tax Free Monthly stipend of £1,938 (London), £1,563 anywhere else in UK Payments made directly to fellows Not paid: Local travelling cost to Airport, local hotel stay Money matters

On Award Candidates send Paperwork (Completed Medical Form, Data Processing, Visa forms prior to arrival to CSC office British Council sponsor Tier 5 Visa & book flights Candidates search for accommodation Liaise with host and inform about their arrival timings

Fellowship Programme  Leadership & Technical Leadership  Vision, Strategies & policy development  Technical skills  Project Management  Change Management  Capability & capacity development – staffing structure, team development  Influencing, Persuasion, public speaking

 Priorities and time management  Digital literacy / transliteracy  Communicating value of Technology & library  IT Assets Management Plan  Career Coaching Emphasis on transfer of knowledge & skills rather than certification Fellowship Programme cont.

Issues Hiding circumstances Home sickness Food Weather Work Culture differences Quality of life vs. savings Leave your

Further information CSC Website:

Some Commonwealth Fellows’ Blogs