iCQ Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (RQF)
Course Overview
This qualification is for senior leaders and managers who are already operating at a strategic level and want formal recognition of their skills plus a solid framework to develop further. It focuses on real strategic work in your organisation, not classroom theory.
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence from your day to day role. No written exams, just clear proof that you can plan, lead and deliver at senior level.
Who Is This For?
Senior managers and directors with responsibility for strategy, people and budgets
Heads of department or service with organisation wide impact
Business owners and leaders driving long term growth and change
Experienced managers stepping up into board level or executive leadership
Learners must already be in a role where they can influence strategy, culture, resources and performance.
Progression Opportunities
This qualification supports progression into or within roles such as:
Director or senior executive
Head of function, division or service
Strategic or transformation lead
Chief officer or member of the senior leadership team
It also supports further study in advanced leadership, governance or specialist strategic areas.
Entry Requirements
Typically suited to learners aged 19 and over
Must be in a strategic management role with organisation wide responsibilities
Access to real strategic activity, such as planning, governance, people, finance, risk or change
Sufficient level of English and maths to work with complex documents, data and evidence
Ability to generate a portfolio of work based evidence that meets Level 7 standards
What You Cover (Summary)
- Develop and execute strategic business plans
- Turn vision and long term goals into clear programmes of work
- Set meaningful measures and key performance indicators
- Lead strategic decision making and align operations with strategy
- Provide strategic leadership and direction in complex or changing environments
- Strategic human resource management and workforce planning
- Retention, engagement and the strategic role of HR
- Shaping organisational culture and values and their impact on performance
- Promoting equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion at organisational level
Organisational governance structures and controls
Legal and regulatory requirements and good governance practice
Business risk management processes and business continuity
Leading the development of a quality strategy and quality standards
- Continuous improvement strategy at organisational level
- Knowledge management as a strategic asset
- Use of information, systems and technology to support strategy
- Optimising technology to support continuity, efficiency and growth
Strategic marketing activities and market evaluation
Managing product and service development at a strategic level
Developing and managing collaborative relationships with other organisations
Understanding financial options and obtaining financial resources to deliver strategy
Not every optional unit will be taken. Learners build a pathway that fits their role, sector and organisational priorities while meeting the credit rules.
Why Choose This Qualification?
It is designed to confirm and stretch strategic capability. Learners will:
Develop and execute strategic business plans that actually get delivered
Provide clear strategic leadership and direction through change and uncertainty
Align structure, culture, people and processes with long term goals
Manage strategic human resources and workforce planning
Lead knowledge management, continuous improvement and quality strategies
Establish governance controls and manage business risk at senior level
Secure and manage financial resources to support strategy
Shape organisational culture, values and stakeholder relationships
Oversee strategic marketing and product or service development
This is about operating as a credible, accountable strategic leader, not just managing day to day operations.
Qualification Details
- Qualification Title: iCQ Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (RQF)
- Qualification Number (QAN): 601/6892/4
- Level: 7
- Type: RQF NVQ Diploma
- Sector Subject Area: 15.3 Business Management
- Total Credits: 45
- Minimum Credits at Level 7 or above: 35
- Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 223 to 278
- Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence
- Overall Grade: Pass
- Age Range: 19 plus
- Structure:
- 16 credits from mandatory Group A units
- 29 credits from optional Group B units
