New to Leadership National Programme

NATIONAL PROGRAMME

A development programme for new and aspiring NHS leaders, designed to build the essential skills and behaviours needed to lead others effectively.

Delivered online Interactive online learning
Over two months Four whole-day workshops
For NHS staff New and aspiring leaders

About the programme

Over two months, new and aspiring leaders from across the NHS will come together online to explore the essential skills and behaviours needed to lead others effectively.

Aligned to the new NHS Leadership and Management Framework, the programme has been designed to address all 27 competencies at Stage 1.

You will learn new approaches, share experiences with peers and put your learning into practice, helping you become a more confident and effective leader.

Who should apply?

This programme is ideal for anyone who is new to leading or managing others within the NHS. Whether you are a new supervisor, team leader or first-line manager, or you are aspiring to take on your first management role, the programme will provide practical skills and support to help you develop as a confident and effective leader.

What will you learn?

By the end of the programme, you will be able to:

Explain Explain the role and responsibilities of a leader and recognise the differences between leadership and management.
Reflect Reflect on your own leadership behaviours, preferences and impact, identifying areas for continued personal development.
Apply Apply appropriate leadership approaches to motivate, support and develop individuals and teams.
Create Create an inclusive and psychologically safe team environment that encourages collaboration, contribution and wellbeing.
Use Use effective delegation, coaching, feedback and performance management techniques to support accountability and improve performance.
Communicate Adapt your communication and influencing approach to build effective relationships, manage upwards and engage different stakeholders.
Support change Apply practical approaches to difficult conversations and organisational change, supporting colleagues through challenge and uncertainty.
Develop Develop strategies to manage priorities, maintain personal resilience and wellbeing, reflect on your leadership practice and plan your ongoing development.

How does the programme work?

Pre-programme workshop

A one-hour online session to introduce the programme, meet fellow participants and get familiar with the technology and online learning environment.

Four whole-day online workshops

Four interactive workshops covering the key knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to lead others effectively.

Additional online learning

A small number of short, self-directed online courses will complement the workshops, introducing additional topics and helping to broaden your leadership knowledge and skills.

Self-reflection throughout

Targeted reflection activities to help you consider how you are applying your learning in practice and evidence your development throughout the programme.

Workshop dates

Pre-programme workshop

Cohort 1: Thursday, 29 October 2026, 14:00–15:00

Cohort 2: Thursday, 14 January 2027, 14:00–15:00

Cohort 3: Tuesday, 19 January 2027, 14:00–15:00

Day 1: Understanding yourself as a leader

Cohort 1: Thursday, 12 November 2026, 09:30–16:00

Cohort 2: Thursday, 21 January 2027, 09:30–16:00

Cohort 3: Tuesday, 26 January 2027, 09:30–16:00

Day 2: Managing people and performance

Cohort 1: Thursday, 3 December 2026, 09:30–16:00

Cohort 2: Thursday, 11 February 2027, 09:30–16:00

Cohort 3: Tuesday, 9 February 2027, 09:30–16:00

Day 3: Developing others and supporting change

Cohort 1: Thursday, 17 December 2026, 09:30–16:00

Cohort 2: Thursday, 25 February 2027, 09:30–16:00

Cohort 3: Tuesday, 2 March 2027, 09:30–16:00

Day 4: Resilient leadership in action

Cohort 1: Thursday, 7 January 2027, 09:30–16:00

Cohort 2: Thursday, 18 March 2027, 09:30–16:00

Cohort 3: Tuesday, 23 March 2027, 09:30–16:00

Interested in joining?

Cohorts 1, 2 and 3 are now available to book. To register your interest, please complete the expression of interest form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this programme for?

This programme is ideal for anyone who is new to leading or managing others within the NHS, including new supervisors, team leaders and first-line managers, as well as those aspiring to take on their first management role.

How is the programme delivered?

The programme is delivered online and includes a one-hour pre-programme workshop, four whole-day interactive workshops, additional online learning and self-reflection activities.

Which cohorts are available?

Cohorts 1, 2 and 3 are currently available, with programme dates running from October 2026 through to March 2027.

Is there a cost to attend?

No, the CPD Funding for PCN and Practice Mangers can be utilised for this.

What happens if I need to cancel?

As the training will already be paid for, failure to attend the programme may result in your practice being required to reimburse the cost. Non-attendance will also be recorded as a DNA for any modules or sessions missed. Please note that a certificate of completion will only be issued to learners who have attended all required sessions. If you are unable to attend a session, please let us know as early as possible.


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