Top Manager programme

This programme takes place over 24 days in five residential weeks. The first session is at The King’s Fund in London, with the remaining modules spread around the country over seven months. The residential format gives participants a chance to ‘leave work behind’ and consider issues at a distance.

Tackle the key elements of successful leadership

The programme looks at self-management, managing relationships with individuals, groups and organisations, and managing change.

Consider the current climate

Participants consider what it means to be a chief executive in today’s NHS and what they need to do to get there. The programme also focuses on handling new corporate roles, stepping up to board level, and how to develop the political and emotional intelligence to succeed in this new context.

Become a better manager

Participants gain skills in maintaining a good work/life balance, how to keep priorities in perspective and how to act when things get out of kilter.

Join the alumni

Participants become part of an alumni network, with invitations to an annual event for past participants, the opportunity to attend other events and access to a national database of top managers.

This programme is for senior managers and health care professionals in the NHS. Typically they will be people who are moving up from deputy director to director level or above, or people shifting from clinical to managerial roles. We also welcome participants from social services, education and health-related public sector, private and voluntary organisations.

This training has played a major role in training many of today’s leading players in the health service and related sectors. Its key aim is to enhance the managerial capacity of your organisation. At the end of it, participants will be well equipped to take on the most senior roles in health and social care. This programme is preparation for significant career progression and, at the same time, a challenge to keep learning.

The standard of delegates is high. The programme is not about gaining basic technical skills. It is about gaining high value personal development via feedback, self awareness, disclosure and challenge. The aim is to develop senior leaders who are more resilient and flexible, able to innovate and take risks, are clearer about what they’re good at and with the ability to move forward in their careers.

This programme is also an excellent vantage point for anyone assessing career choices or considering a change of direction within the health service.

Nicholas Bradbury has wide consulting experience with organisations, groups and individuals in the statutory and voluntary sectors. Recent organisational development clients include the Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital, University College London Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Writer and broadcaster Nicholas is particularly interested in human development and how adults learn.

Chris Lake joined The King’s Fund in 2009 with a history of leadership and organisational development (OD). 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 Organisational Development. Much of his experience has been gained with international groups in the UK, USA, Europe and the Middle East.

Anne Benson joined The King’s Fund in July 2009 following six years working as a team leader and manager in the Learning and Development Institute at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Anne is an educator, leader, manager and clinician with 30 years experience of working in and with health and social care services. She has recently completed training as a Cognitive Analytic Therapist. 

2010 intake

• 18–28 May (not Saturday and Sunday)
• 12–16 July
• 27 September–1 October
• 22–26 November

£9,000 plus VAT

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 manager, 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)