Leadership Development Programme for an NHS Foundation Trust

The Challenge

Our brief was to design and deliver an Institute of Leadership and Management accredited development programme for a target audience of over 200 NHS senior managers across clinical and non-clinical roles. The Solution In line with our client-centric approach, we engaged with line management, senior management, HR and training personnel to develop the Senior Management Development Programme to meet identified needs. The resultant ILM Level 5 certificate programme now covers everything from management and leadership (including change management and employee engagement) to planning and organising skills, with an introduction to project management. People management skills including performance management principles, coaching and empowerment are also dealt with, together with communication and influencing skills. Groups of delegates were organised to minimise work disruption and a blend of learning mechanisms including classroom sessions, work-based projects, self-awareness / personal reflection feedback and action learning groups were used to deliver the programme with maximum effect. Written assignments completed by delegates outside of classroom were assessed by eras and verified by the ILM. Naturally, classroom training is highly interactive and participative, in order to ensure the most suitable learning environment. Methods used include group discussion, group and individual exercises, individual guidance, relevant video/DVD screenings, skills practice and feedback as required in order to gain maximum benefit from each event. Some modules required pre-course work to be completed and supporting workbooks were provided for every delegate at each and every module.

Impact

Over 200 managers attended the programme and dramatic impact was seen as a result. Attitudes lifted, cynicism lifted, engagement and motivation grew and – over the 10 month course, ownership to drive change initiatives for organisational improvement developed. The success of this programme has led to other NHS Trusts adopting the same programme, sharing in the emotional uplift this programme brings for delegates.