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Responding to the changing demands of diplomacy

Published

The Oxford Chief of Staff Executive Certification Programme

Saïd Business School has partnered with The Chief of Staff Association to equip their members with the leadership skills needed to adapt to the changing world of diplomacy.

The tailor-made Oxford Chief of Staff Executive Certification Programme contextualises the chief of staff role within the global community and business, enabling the professionals to respond to the unique challenges faced in their roles.

Professionals working in Chief of Staff roles take on complex organisational responsibilities alongside leadership of staff and deputising for the Chief Executive Officer.

Rupert Younger, Director of the Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation will lead the programme.

This programme provides chiefs of staff with the skill sets required to evaluate the social approval assets.

Rupert Younger

'These assets - reputation, status, legitimacy and trust - are critical drivers of business success,’ he explained. 

‘Understanding how the organisation builds and deploys these assets is a vital leadership skill, and Chiefs of Staff are the professionals who prioritise and analyse relevant insight into the executive office, and who ensure that internal intent is turned into action. That is the focus of this new and innovative Oxford programme.’

Beginning in July 2021 on site at Saïd Business School, the programme also provides chiefs of staff with the opportunity to come together with others working in diverse fields, from business to government, home affairs, the military and the police.

The Chief of Staff Association is a global diplomatic network, its members play a vital role in facilitating economic diplomacy. They are the gatekeepers to Fortune 500 companies, diplomats and public officials around the world. This certification is the first to be offered by the Association.

Trent Smyth, Director of the Chief of Staff Association said: ‘I am delighted to confirm that Saïd Business School will deliver our ground-breaking, Chief of Staff Executive Certification Programme at Oxford University in July 2021. This four-day residential programme represents the first such formal education for chiefs of staff and an essential first step to standardising education for the profession.’