NCC partner with Ashridge to deliver executive development for IT professionals

The National Computing Centre (NCC), the UK's foremost independent membership and research organisation for Information Technology users and Ashridge, one of the world's leading business schools, are launching a new executive development partnership aimed at IT leaders.

A specially tailored IT Executive Programme will cater for IT professionals seeking to nurture business and leadership skills as well as for managers from other business functions with responsibility for technology investments. It will be run for the first time in 2005 at Ashridge, recently ranked by the Financial Times as one of the top five European providers of tailored executive development.

Michael Gough, Chief Executive, NCC said: 'IT is fundamental to the success of virtually all organisations. Successful IT leaders require a combination of technical, business and leadership skills to drive their organisations' strategic advantage. Our partnership with Ashridge will fill an important gap in the market.' The IT Executive Programme will complement the existing NCC Certus development programme. NCC and Ashridge will also co-operate in other areas including virtual learning. Kai Peters, CEO of Ashridge said: 'We are combining the unique expertise of both organisations to create a programme that best meets the needs of aspiring IT leaders. It will provide them with the recognition they deserve amongst the business community and should make a significant contribution to a successful career as well as to their organisation.'

For further information, please contact:

NCC
Michael Dean, Director for Membership

Tel: 0161 242 2146/E-mail Michael Dean

Ashridge
Delma O'Brien, Director of Corporate Communications

Tel: 01442 841225 / E-mail: Delma.O'Brien

Notes to editors:

About The National Computing Centre
The National Computing Centre is the UK's largest cross-sector membership and research organisation for IT users. NCC's mission is to promote the more effective use of information technology. Established in 1966 by the Government, and now an independent organisation limited by guarantee, the NCC achieves its objectives through the creation and sharing of best practice and draws on its proven expertise in information management and internet services. NCC Member organisations benefit by being advised and guided through topical issues. Our advice and guidance which is always independent, impartial and expert is provided through publications, surveys, research reports, events, online services and a network of special interest groups. Membership is representative of a broad spectrum of sectors from government organisations and blue-chip corporations, to small to medium sized organisations.

About Ashridge
Ashridge (http://www.ashridge.com), one of the world's leading business schools, is an independent, not for profit organisation, working with individuals and organisations in personal and corporate development (open and tailored programmes, online learning, MBA, MSc and Diploma qualifications). In the latest Financial Times rankings for executive education providers, Ashridge was ranked as one of the top 3 UK business schools. Ashridge also undertakes consulting, through Ashridge Consulting and applied research through the Ashridge Centre for Business and Society, the Ashridge Leadership Centre and the Ashridge Strategic Management Centre, the latter based in London. Ashridge is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA).