Clinical Leaders Programme 2025-26

Who is it for?

• Experienced or current clinical leaders in paediatrics (such as clinical directors, directors of children’s nursing, or regional child health leads), or those aspiring to these positions in the next 12 months
• Senior doctors, nursing and AHP leaders
• Those seeking to make change, shape child health services, and build their leadership confidence in a supportive network

Why this programme?

In a time of significant change and challenge across the NHS and paediatrics, we believe that confident, connected, and reflective clinical leaders are essential. This programme is:

• Designed specifically for paediatric practice and policy – every element is tailored to the realities and complexities of child health leadership
• Blended and flexible – with a mix of in-person events and interactive online learning
• Peer-driven and practical – learn in small, supportive groups tackling real-world problems together. The days draw on their experience as clinicians and leaders, and aim to build conversation & dialogue using your shared expertise
• Leading not just managing – learn how to apply an analytical lens, critical eye and strategic thinking to leadership problems in child health
• Inclusive and diverse – open to all senior paediatric leaders across the UK and beyond

Whether you’re already in a leadership position or preparing for one in the next 12 months, this course will support your personal growth and strategic impact.

What are the programme highlights?

In-person learning days

• Three immersive in-person training days at RCPCH London, and with introductory launch event and dinner
• Expert-led sessions on leadership, negotiation, conflict, system design, and more
• Keynote speakers including senior RCPCH leaders
• Celebration and presentation event to conclude the programme
• Breakfast and lunch included for in-person days, as well as dinner at launch event

Monthly webinars

• Six monthly, high-impact online sessions on topics including strategy, financial planning and value based healthcare, wellbeing, and involving children and young people (CYP) in service design
• Hear from leading clinicians, policy experts, commissioners and system influencers

Action Learning Sets (ALS)

• Small peer groups led by full qualified and experienced ALS facilitators
• Solve real leadership challenges with live peer feedback and support
• 5 sessions across the course (3-in-person and 2 online)

Participants will leave the programme not only with new knowledge and skills, but with a clear plan for applying them to real-world leadership challenges. From service redesign to team wellbeing to negotiating change, you'll be empowered to take action.

When does the programme take place?

The programme will be delivered in a blended structure and includes in-person days, webinars and action learning sets across nine months. 

Each webinar will run for approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, and will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. 

*Date and time of these webinars will be confirmed soon. Please do check back for more information. 

Who are the programme leads?

Dr Ronny Cheung

• Consultant Paediatrician, Evelina London Children’s Hospital
• Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London
• Officer for Health Services, RCPCH
• Paediatric Advisor at NHS England and Chair of NICE Indicators Advisory Committee 

Dr Tom Holliday

• Consultant Paediatrician, London North West University Healthcare Trust
• Associate Professor in Clinical Leadership & Health System Innovation, London South Bank University
• Director of The Darzi Fellowship in Clinical Leadership

Who are the confirmed programme teaching faculty?

• Dr Imad Ahmed, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Integrated Care Board Children & Young People's Lead 
• Dr Louise Anderson, Specialist Paediatrician and Clinical Lead
• Dr Claire Lemer, Consultant Paediatrician and Director of Strategy
• Dr Claire Lundy, Consultant in Paediatric Neurodisability and Leadership Trainer
• Ms Emma Sparrow, RCPCH & Us Young People Engagement Specialist
• Dr Lorin Taranis, Clinical Lead & Principal Clinical Psychologist
• Ms Fiona Whitaker, Integrated Care Board Commissioning Lead for Children & Young People
• Dr Nick Wilkinson, Consultant in Paediatric Rheumatology and RCPCH Officer for Wales
• Dr Steve Wadams, Consultant Paediatrician, coach and former Clinical Director
• Professor Steve Turner, Consultant Paediatrician and RCPCH President 

What else will I get from joining?

This isn’t just a course – it’s the beginning of a professional network. Graduates will be invited to continue engaging through:

• ongoing College forums and networks
• peer-led WhatsApp and SharePoint groups
• invitations to alumni events
• ongoing leadership development opportunities for graduates through RCPCH committees and other voluntary national leadership roles.

Who is eligible to apply?

This programme is open to anyone who is currently in a child health leadership position, or who will imminently take up one of those roles (within the coming 12 months).

The intention is to maximise the peer learning aspect of the programme as much as possible, by cultivating a cohort which is able to share experiences and provide ongoing support throughout the duration of the programme.

The RCPCH is committed to supporting those who may want to develop the skills to equip them to perform these roles effectively in the future – resources can be found in the Leadership pages on RCPCH Learning.

How to apply?

If you are ready to embark on a transformative leadership programme, please complete our short application form, which outlines your eligibility and helps us understand your learning needs.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 31 August 2025 but early application is advised as places are strictly limited to 28 participants for the 2025-26 cohort.

Applicants will be informed of their eligibility via email. Places will be allocated to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis and confirmed upon receipt of payment.

Apply before end of Sunday 31 August

How much does it cost?

The cost of the nine-month bespoke leadership programme is £2,200. Discounted rates are available to RCPCH members £2,000 as well as nursing and AHP leaders £1,800. 

The fee includes attendance at all three in-person study days (including lunch and refreshments), live webinar attendance with access to the webinar recordings for up to two years and action learning sets facilitation for up to four sessions over the programme. 

Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. 

Upfront payment is preferred, split payments to facilitate study leave budget allocations are available on request. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please get in touch with the team at rcpch.events@rcpch.ac.uk

Apply for this programme