Executive Leadership Development Programme for NHS Trusts

NHS England is seeking a supplier to design, deliver, and evaluate a pilot leadership development programme for senior NHS leaders (Chief Executives, Chairs, directors, and clinical leaders) across four Midlands trusts. The programme aims to improve how NHS organisations engage with and support patients and families who have experienced harm, addressing communication, compassion, and organisational culture challenges identified in national maternity and neonatal investigations. The supplier will co-design a blended learning curriculum (combining face-to-face, virtual, and facilitated sessions with people with lived experience) tailored to approximately 40 participants across multiple cohorts. The programme will focus on trauma-informed and restorative leadership approaches, emphasising compassionate communication, early engagement, and openness following adverse events. The supplier must implement continuous improvement methodology, gathering iterative feedback from each cohort to refine delivery, and establish a robust evaluation framework measuring participation, learning outcomes, behavioural change, and impact on family engagement. A comprehensive evaluation report with recommendations for national rollout is required. The initial contract runs from award to 31 March 2027 (approximately 8 months) with a budget of £130,000 (excluding VAT), with potential 12-month extension and additional £130,000 if approved. The scope may vary regarding participant numbers, cohorts, and curriculum based on emerging insights and policy changes.