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What is the Clinical Leaders Programme?
Following a successful first year supporting 28 of our brightest and best child health leaders, we are delighted to be running the second cohort of the RCPCH Clinical Leaders Programme - a bespoke, 9-month Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ development experience created exclusively for senior paediatric professionals.
Blending practical tools, cutting-edge theory, peer learning and expert facilitation, this hybrid programme is designed to prepare current and aspiring leaders to meet the evolving challenges of paediatric healthcare with vision, resilience and purpose.
Our first year programme took in senior medical and nursing delegates from across the UK, Europe and the Middle East, and had a 100% satisfaction rate. When we asked them to describe how they found the programme and what they would say to colleagues considering applying for Cohort 2, here is what they said:
I would definitely say go for it. The learning is great and much more in depth than you will have received on other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ courses alongside fantastic opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues across the whole scope of paediatric practice and beyond.
Amazing learning and collaboration opportunity.
100% apply, totally brilliant - the best course I’ve ever attended.
I would encourage all my current and potential clinical leads to apply.
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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.
- 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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ problems in child health
- Inclusive and diverse – open to all senior paediatric leaders across the UK and beyond.
Whether you’re already in a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ position or preparing for one in the next 2–3 years, this course will support your personal growth and strategic impact.
Programme highlights
Three 2-day In-Person Workshops
- Three immersive in-person 2-day workshops at RCPCH London, fully catered including one networking dinner per workshop
- Expert-led sessions on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, 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 one networking dinner per workshop
Monthly Webinars
- Six high-impact online sessions throughout the year, 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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ challenges with live peer feedback and support
- 5 sessions across the course (3-in-person and 2 online)
Programme Leads
Dr Ronny Cheung
Dr Cheung is a consultant paediatrician at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. He is also the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, a paediatric advisor at NHS England and Chair of NICE Indicators Advisory Committee. He currently serves as the Officer for Health Services at RCPCH.
Dr Tom Holliday
Dr Holliday is a consultant paediatrician at London North West University Healthcare Trust. He is also an associate professor in clinical Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ & health system innovation at London South Bank University. He currently serves as the director of the Darzi fellowship in clinical Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.
Who should apply?
This programme is ideal 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 2-3 years
- Senior doctors, nursing and AHP leaders
- Those seeking to make change, shape child health services and build their Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ confidence in a supportive network
Programme dates
This programme runs from September 2026 to June 2027
In-person workshop dates:
- 29-30 September 2026
- 10-11 February 2027
- 8-9 June 2027
Webinar dates will be confirmed shortly.
Cost
£2300 (Discounted rates for RCPCH members - £2100)
Discounted rates available for nursing and AHP Leaders - £1900
This includes:
- Attendance at all 3 in-person workshops (includes breakfast, lunch, refreshments and 3 networking dinners across the year)
- Live webinar attendance, and access to webinar recordings for up to 2 years
- Action learning sets – facilitation for 5 sessions over 9 month period
Join a lasting community
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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ development opportunities for graduates through RCPCH committees and other voluntary national Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ roles
Apply your learning – shape the future
Participants will leave the programme not only with new knowledge and skills, but with a clear plan for applying them to real-world Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ challenges. From service redesign to team wellbeing to negotiating change, you'll be empowered to take action.