1. There is no application form. If you wish to apply and believe you are eligible for the scheme please include the following in your application:

• Basic contact details (name, address, phone numbers, e-mail, etc),
• Educational background,
• Career information including posts held, management experience and brief descriptions of roles undertaken,
• Any other information you consider may be relevant to your application,
• A short paper/essay (around 1000 words) setting out how studying for, and obtaining, an MBA will benefit you, your organisation and Socitm.

2. Applications for bursaries should be received at latest by the end of July. Please send them to:

Brian Westcott,
Socitm MBA Convenor,
48 Merton Drive,
Chester,
CH4 7PQ
email: brian.westcott@socitm.gov.uk

3. The outcome of applications will be notified to students in August. Successful applicants will be responsible for securing their place on the Open University MBA programme or on a course with another approved university.

 4. Students will need to make arrangements for payment of the balance of the fees by themselves or their employer. Other costs, such as travelling expenses, are not part of the Socitm offer.

5. Because Socitm is sponsoring its students, the university will treat the Society as a corporate partner and appraise it of exam results, etc. so that the success of the sponsorship can be monitored. Students may therefore need to sign a disclosure agreement with their university.

6. If the individual ceases to qualify for the Socitm scheme during, or within 12 months of completing the programme, Socitm's contribution will need to be repaid unless there are exceptional circumstances. Terms of repayment over a period will be offered. Students must agree to this prior to commencing.

7. If students fail examinations, or need to extend their period of study, they should inform the MBA convenor immediately. Socitm will consider each case on its merits and may pay repeat fees if appropriate.

8. The selection of students to benefit from the scheme will be entirely at the Society's discretion within its overall policy of equal opportunities. Decisions of the selection panel will be final.

9. Whilst students are advised to enlist the support of someone in their organisation as a mentor, Socitm will additionally provide mentors from within its membership as appropriate.

10. It is expected that students sponsored by Socitm will be prepared to give something back such as by providing articles for the Newsletter, research work or speaking at regional meetings.

For further information, please contact Brian Westcott, Socitm MBA Convenor at brian.westcott@socitm.gov.uk or on 01244 675431.