Structure

The aim of the programme is to prepare you for your first chair role and support you through development. The structure and delivery of the programme will align to the competencies expected from the chair and will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the chair role.

The programme is 12 months in duration. There is a blend of face to face, Microsoft Teams and an online virtual campus to engage with.

Participants must attend 100 per cent of all elements and this is a condition of accepting a place on the programme. 

The programme, which has had one previous cohort, is currently undergoing a refresh. This is to ensure programme content and delivery models best supports aspiring chairs to prepare for the challenges of the role in the current health and care landscape, whilst making the best use of technology.

• The programme starts with a 3 day residential in London or Leeds on Tuesday May 19 to Thursday May 21, 2026, which includes a welcome session on day one, module one on day two and a peer ‘praxis’ group on day 3.  It is essential all participants attend this residential and will be a commitment to consider before applying for the programme.
• The programme has six modules which will be delivered at in person workshops.
• At the end of the programme a learning summit event will conclude participants’ journey and provide a final networking opportunity.
• Content and knowledge is also delivered online through a virtual campus which includes a mix of materials such as videos, interviews, articles and reports. You have the flexibility to access this at a time that suits you. 
• There will be six face-to-face or virtual, bi-monthly, smaller praxis groups, where you will work with expert facilitators and fellow participants to share perspectives and undertake board level scenarios. 
• Through an opening and closing statement to your praxis group peers, you will be asked to identify areas for development which are particularly relevant to you and demonstrate the progress you need to make to be an effective and transformational chair.  You peers will supportively hold you to account and offer supportive challenge in support of your individual learning objectives.
• Mentoring will also be a key part of your journey.  You will be mentored by an experienced chair who can be self-sourced or allocated to you at the beginning of the programme.