Leadership Development Opportunities
for Primary Care
Funded by nhs England To support aspiring and emerging leaders across Primary Care, we are now taking expressions of interest for three high-quality leadership programmes that are being offered on a fully or part funded basis.
The Mary Seacole Programme - CMI
The Mary Seacole Programme offers entry-level leadership development for practice managers, nurses, PCN managers, pharmacists, and early-career GPs. It builds confidence, core leadership skills, and resilience to strengthen neighbourhood teams and succession planning. Participants can achieve a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership alongside the NHS Leadership Academy Award in Healthcare Leadership.
Programme length: 10 months
Delivery method: Online with independent online learning.
Course Fee: FREE. Fully Funded Places (which would usually cost £1200)
Start date: February/March 2026
The Rosalind Franklin Programme - CMI
This programme provides leadership development for mid-career primary care leaders – including practice managers, lead nurses, PCN managers, pharmacists, and GPs. It builds strategic leadership capability, strengthens the talent pipeline, and supports the NHS goal of care closer to home. Participants can achieve a CMI Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice alongside the NHS Leadership Academy Award in Senior Healthcare Leadership.
Programme length: 12 months
Delivery method: Online with independent online learning.
Course Fee: FREE. Fully Funded Places (which would usually cost £1500)
Start date: February/March 2026
The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Programme
The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Programme offers Master’s-level leadership development for senior primary care leaders – including PCN Clinical Directors, senior GPs, and practice managers. It builds strategic leadership, system thinking, and inclusive approaches to drive transformation and deliver the NHS Long Term Plan.
Programme length: 24 months
Delivery method: Blended learning (online modules, residential workshops, and applied projects)
Course Fee: This programme is funded through a dual model: £7,000 by the NHS Leadership Academy and £7,000 by the applicant’s organisation or self-funded.
Start date: February/March 2026
Register Interest here: Leadership Academy Programmes for Primary Care
To help make the most of this opportunity, we encourage you to have early conversations with your line manager.
Further details on cohort dates and the full application process to follow.