The 16 executives will take part in the three-year programme working with existing or high-growth companies. The scheme is part funded by the European Development Fund Convergence Programme and South West Regional Development Agency.
The executives will follow a post-graduate certificate programme in coach-mentoring and facilitation in organisations, which will teach them how to develop high-quality in-house leadership programmes.
The team will work for business advisory organisation Oxford Innovation (OI), which also operates a network of innovation centres and investment networks.
OI project director Treve Willis said: "Key UK organisations often commit to major programmes mentoring their senior personnel, but the role can be poorly supported. Despite major investment the results can be disappointing or even destructive - wasting potential which we, as a country, cannot afford. High-potential individuals and teams achieve more through well-supported, well-thought through programmes - such as the PGC aims to ensure more consistently. "
David Major from the University of Chester is overseeing the accreditation. He added: "Learning and development is vital to economic recovery and ensuring organisations are well placed for the upturn. Strong professional backing to deliver learning has to be among the most useful of the tools available as people adapt and change to a rapidly changing world. Business and organisational success depends on the generation of leaders we are training now."
