Future Focused Leadership Programme

Helps NIHR Academy Members and leaders develop leadership capabilities and effectiveness.

Future Focused Leadership Programme overview

This free programme supports health and social care research leaders to enhance their leadership skills. We do this by meeting the leadership needs of current leaders and mid-career researchers within the NIHR.

“I am now conscious about my leadership and self compassion. I have heightened awareness of the impact of actions and have lots of new tools to guide my thinking or actions particularly in challenging situations”
Alumni from the leader stream

Why apply to the programme?

This immersive programme will help you to develop your capabilities and effectiveness as a leader. You will be encouraged to identify and reflect on your strengths and areas for development.

We developed this programme following an in-depth analysis of what makes a successful leader. It incorporates a substantial body of occupational psychology and applied positive psychology research. You will explore new thinking on how to lead in the 21st century and apply this to your own areas of leadership.

100%

of participants would recommend this programme to colleagues

The Emerging Research Leader stream of the Future Focused Leadership Programme is open for applications. Apply before 1pm on 3 December 2024.

Who can apply?

There are 2 streams within this programme:

The emerging research leaders stream

You can apply to this stream if you are:

  • an early to mid-career researcher on an academic track

  • in your first significant leadership and management role 

This stream of the programme will enable you to:

  • collaborate as you explore management and leadership in health and care research

  • learn what leadership means at an individual, team, institution and system level

Eligibility

To apply, you must be:

  • an NIHR Academy Member, including those based in NIHR Infrastructure, a NIHR School or a NIHR Research unit 
  • an early to mid-career researcher
  • at least two years postdoctoral

Researchers based in NIHR Infrastructure, NIHR School or NIHR Research Unit must meet all of the following criteria:

  • be undertaking a formal training/career development award, which should meet all of the following criteria: 
    • be competitive
    • include a training/development plan 
    • have a defined end point (such as an application for further funding)
  • receive at least 25% funding from the NIHR for salary/stipend over the lifetime of your award
  • be hosted in a setting with a remit for research capacity development

For Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) and Health Protection Research Units (HPRUs), funding can be from NIHR or from an official collaborating partner

The leaders stream 

You can apply to this stream if you are:

  •  a senior leader based within NIHR or delivering a national role for the organisation

Your application will need to show that you are facing significant leadership challenges in areas where your support will be most needed and impactful. 

This stream of the programme will enable you to:

  • enhance your skills in leading across organisational boundaries

  • lead strategy and change

  • influence others to contribute towards achieving NIHR's organisational goals

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be one of the below:

  • currently leading at a national level for NIHR
  • have demonstrable leadership influence as part of NIHR 
  • hold an NIHR Research Professorship or Senior Investigator award

How will I learn?

This programme is over 12 months. It is designed to have an immediate practical benefit so you will be able to apply your insights and skills to your current role throughout the year. 

You will be in a multidisciplinary cohort of 40 and you will network and share your experience with your peers.

The programme is delivered through:

  • 3 x 2 day residential workshops 
  • 2 x 90-minute coaching sessions
  • 2 x 90-minute action learning sessions
  • webinars
  • online modules 

Find out more about the course structure

“I am much more confident and as a consequence I am part of large grant applications, one of them as a work package lead.”
Alumni from the emerging research leader stream

How to apply

The Emerging Research Leader stream of the Future Focused Leadership Programme is currently open for applications. You will apply through ARAMIS, our online research award management system

When writing an application, have a look through the guidance and frequently asked questions for more information:

100%

of participants said the programme enhanced their professional development

Contact us

Please contact us if you have any questions.
Call 0113 532 8444 or email us.