In November 2001 the Institute of Supervisory Management and the National Examining Board of Supervision and Management joined forces. This merger of expertise led to the creation of one of the largest leadership training providers in Europe, the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

ILM’s membership organisation, the Institute of Leadership and Management, has recently changed its name. It is now referred to as the Institute of Leadership (IoL). IoL provides learners with the membership they require when studying an ILM course. You can visit the website to view the full information on the name change.

What Does ILM Do?

As an institute, ILM offers accredited qualifications that support learners with their skills and knowledge of leadership and management in the workplace. They are regulated by City & Guilds, an awarding body for qualifications in the United Kingdom. City & Guilds is one of the largest bodies, with over twenty million people in the UK possessing a qualification from this organisation.

The courses are delivered through training providers in the UK as well as across the globe. DLC Training, as one of ILM’s accredited training providers, delivers its leadership and management courses via online learning. This enables learners to work through their course flexibly, at a pace that suits their individual requirements.

ILM Leadership and Management Qualifications

ILM offer a range of leadership and management qualifications to suit different levels of experience. This includes:

  • Team Leaders – Level 2
  • First-line Managers – Level 3
  • Aspiring Middle Managers – Level 4
  • Middle Managers – Level 5
  • Senior Managers – Level 7

Level 2

Level 2 is ILM’s introductory qualification. It provides an understanding on how to plan, allocate and track work progress. Additionally, it provides learners with the tools and techniques required to become an effective leader and to get the most from their team.

This course is suitable for people who have moved into a team leader role for the first time and are looking to develop their skills and abilities. It’s also ideal for those who aren’t working at a team leader level but are aspiring to in future.

Level 3

Level 3 consists of a wide range of units to choose from which all cover core management skills and principles. This includes organisation, delegation, communication, innovation, and change. It also covers the management of people and work relationships.

This level is aimed at first-line managers who have not completed any formal training and would like to enhance their abilities within their role.

Level 4

The units available in this course explore core management skills. This includes working with people and developing personal skills as a manager. It also covers facilitating innovation and change and achieving results.

Level 4 is suitable for newly appointed middle managers looking to develop skills within their new role. It’s also ideal for those who aren’t currently working in middle manager roles but are aspiring to in future. This course supports learners with the development of knowledge and technical skills needed to be an effective manager.

Level 5

Similar to Level 4 but more in depth, Level 5 explores core management topics. This includes key concepts such as developing yourself as a manager and providing direction to employees. The course also explores facilitating innovation and change, and managing resources.

This level is perfect for experienced managers who are looking to develop further knowledge in their current role. It’s also ideal for those looking to formalise their experience in management. It supports learners who want to develop their technical knowledge, strategic insight and practical understanding.

Level 7

Level 7 explores key senior responsibilities such as presenting arguments for change and constructing effective business cases. It also includes leading the implementation of change within a business. The course also covers the development and maintenance of high performance work cultures.

This level is beneficial for middle managers aspiring to work at a more senior level. It’s also ideal for experienced senior managers looking to formalise their experience and enhance their skills in senior strategic roles.

Still unsure of which level may be suitable for you? Take our quiz!