Sailors in the British Royal Navy have the opportunity to develop their management and leadership skills through a new partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). 

As part of the alliance, individuals of all ranks will be able to gain membership of the Institute giving them access to nationally recognised qualifications, career advice and a UK network of managers with experience in a diverse range of industries.

The partnership, which guarantees membership of the only chartered professional body for managers and leaders, allows sailors to hone their management expertise.

As part of the alliance, the Institute has mapped its membership levels with the Royal Navy’s own ranking system and promotion courses. Midshipmen and petty officers will equate to the Institute’s associate member level, while lieutenants and warrant officers a full member. 

Membership of the Institute will give sailors access to information on developing new skills to start a second career, and potential recruiters, should they want to leave the armed forces. They can also widen their knowledge by attending local Branch events on topical business issues where they will have the opportunity to meet other managers and build their business contacts.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs for the CMI, says: “The UK skills gap is well documented and unless organisations invest in skills to drive performance, we will struggle to compete on the global market.  Our partnership with the Navy offers sailors the opportunity to develop competencies that will not only serve them in service, but also in the wider civilian world.”