Diploma in Nonprofit Leadership
and Supervision
(Dip. N.P.L.)

A distance learning course

   College accreditation:  International Association for Distance Learning.
   This Diploma is also recognised by the Institute of General Management (Ireland) and
    the Institute of Hospitality Management (Ireland). 

A comprehensive mini course in nonprofit or charity management - ideal for the international student

Total recommended period of study: approx. 3 to 4 months or less. Continuous enrolment. No time limit.

Cost: £250.00  (250 Pounds Sterling - for currency conversion see www.xe.com )

Textbook:

A professional-level textbook of over 260 large-format pages, specializing in nonprofit management, is required as the main book for the course (equivalent to approx. 400 average sized pages).  There is a special website linked to the textbook with further information and resources to enhance your learning.  The book will serve as a valuable guidebook and reference throughout your career, to be consulted for solutions to hands-on situations.  This textbook comes FREE with the course for UK students only. Please allow 28 days for delivery.  (If you are outside the UK we will give you details of how to purchase the book on-line from the USA). The textbook we have selected, created by experts, is not normally available in UK bookstores and we believe we are the only UK school to use this exclusive text. 

Method of assessment 

There is a two-phase assessment - a comprehensive multiple-question paper tests the student's knowledge of the course content. This method of assessment allows the busiest of non-profit trustees or executives to be able to complete the course in a timely manner. There is the option of writing an essay in order to gain a Distinction level in the qualification. All assessment work may be done at home or office and e-mailed or posted to the college.

Course overview

People who join the boards or management of nonprofit organisations, trusts or charities from different backgrounds can be “thrown in at the deep end” without formal management training.  The material in this course demystifies nonprofit management and offers a comprehensive guide to what to expect and how to cope with people and tasks, and a highly practical overview of the principles and practice of effective leadership for small to medium-sized non-profit organisations. The course handbook provides essential learning in easy chunks, accessible explanations of theory and tips, techniques and tools to enable leaders to become effective in every area of the organisation.     

Topics include understanding the organisation, exploding myths about management, the nonprofit board, the CEO, core leadership, self-management & communication skills, strategic leadership of the organisation, recruitment, and personnel management, all presented in a way that is relevant to the activities of the non-profit. 

The course material is American-based and suitable for the international student.  Most of the course material is based on general principles and is very similar to what is expected in the UK.  However, the course does not cover UK charity procedures, law and regulations.  Essential free information about UK charities is available at http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/ and the information at that site can be used by students who are writing a UK-based final project.

This course is based upon procedures in non-profit-making enterprises. An alternative version of the course for companies and for-profit businesses is available at this link.  The course may interest people working or seeking to work in established non-profits, or those considering (especially in the USA) making their spiritual, educational or religious organization into a non-profit entity.

Syllabus (subject to change)

Differences between Nonprofit and For-Profit organizations
Different types of nonprofit

Programmes, structures and cultures of nonprofits
Myths of management
Distinction between supervisors, leaders and managers
Structure and operations of a Nonprofit Board
Functions of CEO, Board and staff

Liaison between Board and Staff

Purpose and Direction for the Nonprofit
Promotion of the Nonprofit

Advocacy and Lobbying

Accountability and Risk Management
Leading by Understanding
Leadership and Organizational Change
Role of the Board in Leadership
Team Organization and Leadership
Leading and Developing Staff and Volunteers
Performance Management including an introduction to Coaching
Identifying and Dealing with Founder's Syndrome

The above only gives an outline: in the textbook itself, various interesting ideas and problems are discussed that can be eye-opening if you have not been immersed in a nonprofit management environment before. 

Entry criteria and suitability 

The course may be taken by anyone who is a member of a nonprofit organisation or seeking more understanding of nonprofit management, and may also be taken for personal interest. No particular qualifications are required for entry.

Qualification

Successful graduates will receive the Diploma in Nonprofit Leadership and Supervision awarded by UK College of Holistic Training which is a private UK qualification. The college is accredited by the International Association for Distance Learning.

This Diploma is also recognised by the Institute of General Management (Ireland).

Further information

Please see our FAQs page for general information.

We reserve the right to change the syllabus and other details of any course at any time.

To apply for this course now, go to our Application page

Further training in Nonprofit Management

Further courses in non-profit management can be built on request in the following areas:
Nonprofit Strategic Planning & Facilitation
Launching a Nonprofit Organization and Board of Directors
Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
(All of the above courses use high-quality specialist US-based content and are aimed at international students.  Let us know if you would like more details and cost of any of these programmes.)

Once one of these courses is built it will be available to further students. Estimated course creation time 30 days.  A premium will be charged for rush orders if the course has not yet been compiled.