Introduced in 1993, the course is used by most members of the D of E gold award group to meet the criteria the service section of the award.

The program is designed to make members aware of the responsibility of leadership.  The course involves a minimum of being "talked at" and implements the use of discussion, role play, video and games.

It is a participative course with a very positive outcome. By the end of the program, members should be able to begin to:

• identify the leadership aspects of their role

• list the key skills and qualities required for effective leadership

• identify the strengths and weaknesses of their own leadership style

• identify the differences between assertive, non assertive and aggressive behaviour

• communicate more effectively through active listening

• identify how to build an effective team

• give and receive feedback

• use delegation

• plan a team activity discuss & implement learning methods

Members who are successful in the completion of the course not only complete their D of E service section, but have a good foundation of knowledge to build further leadership skills and qualities on, be it within or outside the YFA.