Top Manager programme

The learning on TMP is multi-layered: from learning about yourself and how you are experienced by others, to considering the implications and application of national policy. The programme is not about gaining basic technical skills - we assume that, as senior leaders, you already have these skills. Group work provides the core learning approach in TMP. Through taking an active part in different groups you will have the opportunity to notice and hear how you are seen and experienced by others.

The scope of the programme is wide. Drawing on humanistic and psychodynamic theory, it focuses on self-awareness, managing yourself and working effectively with others. The development and use of emotional intelligence is a key theme as is organisational dynamics and leading and managing change. Issues of power, authority, difference, change and transition are also examined in depth.

Increasing personal resilience is another important thread: developing your skills in maintaining a good work/life balance, keeping things in perspective and adding to your repertoire of what to do when things get out of kilter.

From a career development perspective there is a focus on how to develop the political and emotional intelligence to succeed when stepping up to more senior roles. The external context is held in mind throughout; the programme provides you with access to and connection with key players working in the forefront of health service policy guidance, analysis, evaluation and commentary.

The learning continues beyond the life of the programme. By becoming part of an alumni network you are invited to an annual event for past participants, together with the opportunity to attend other events and access to a national database of top managers.

This programme is for people holding senior positions in public sector organisations. You won’t necessarily already be a director, but you’ll definitely be aspiring to a director role, moving up from deputy director to director level or above or moving from clinical to managerial roles. The majority of participants work in the NHS; however, we welcome leaders from social services, education and health-related public sector, private and voluntary organisations.

We are entering unprecedented times: the financial climate, together with the reforms proposed in the White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS (DH 2010), present leaders with enormous challenges. Those served by and working in the public services need leaders with the vision to imagine and make the radical changes required. More than ever as leaders, you will need the psychological capacity to lead others in this transformation. You need the ability to work compassionately and intelligently with the different emotions evoked by the changes within yourself and others. This ability is crucial if you are to engage and mobilise the full potential of the workforce. Integration across systems will be even more necessary and you will need to look beyond your own organisation – possibly to non-traditional partner organisations - and be skilled in navigating inter-organisational dynamics to make this happen. TMP will enable you to develop these capabilities and equip you to face the challenges ahead with courage, compassion and imagination.

Nicholas Bradbury has wide consulting experience with organisations, groups and individuals in the statutory and voluntary sectors. Recent organisational development clients include: South Central SHA, the Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital, The Royal Free Hospital, University College London Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital. A writer and broadcaster, with a PhD in French philosophy, Nicholas is particularly interested in human development and how adults learn. He is also an Anglican priest.

Anne Benson joined The King’s Fund in 2009. She is an educator, leader, manager and clinician with 30 years’ experience of working in and with health and social care services. Anne has a particular interest in organisational and team dynamics, working through change and transition and working at and across boundaries - boundaries between professions, teams, services and agencies. She maintains her clinical practice as a cognitive analytic therapist in her local mental health trust.

Chris Lake joined The King’s Fund in 2009 with extensive experience of leadership and organisation development (OD) across public and private sectors. He was Executive MBA Director and Assistant Director for OD and leadership at Roffey Park and remains visiting faculty on the institute’s MSc in People and OD. Chris has a particular interest in learning design and the application of complexity, social construction, group theory, emotion and personal insight to the development of leaders. Much of his experience has been gained with international groups in the UK, USA, Europe and the Middle East. 

Programme details 2012

This programme runs over a total of 24 days as detailed below:

• Module 1: 15-18 May (London – accommodation not provided)
  21-25 May (residential)
• Module 2: 16-20 July (residential)
• Module 3: 24-28 September (residential)
• Module 4: 26-30 November (residential)

£9,750 plus VAT where applicable*

* Please note the compulsory residential elements of this programme are not subject to VAT. Further information on the Tour Operators Margin Scheme can be found on the HMRC website

You will be asked to complete a detailed form designed to encourage you to reflect seriously on your career, personal and management development needs. Then you’ll be invited to The King’s Fund for an informal interview. This is an opportunity to review the aims and objectives of the training and ensure you have a clear understanding of how you can make the most of the benefits and opportunities it offers you.

If you have any questions about the course please contact  the programme directors Nicholas Bradbury (email n.bradbury@kingsfund.org.uk). For general enquiries or to arrange to speak speedily to Nicholas, call the Programme Co-ordinator Rachele Rossini, on 020 7307 2595 (email r.rossini@kingsfund.org.uk).

Applicants from black and minority ethnic groups may be eligible for a bursary.

• Top Manager programme application form (102 kb)
• Top Manager programme application form (Word) (95 kb)
• Equal opportunities document (56 kb)
• Cancellation policy (45 kb)