Overview
The Florence Nightingale Foundation in partnership with Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care in the Department for Health and Social Care, is pleased to offer an exceptional and transformational leadership development opportunity. The programme is open to nurses from a global majority background working in social care organisations across England who have at least three years’ post registration experience.
This programme offers a supportive learning space to develop leadership identity, capacity, and capability to influence organisational and patient outcomes.
PLEASE NOTE: Places are fully funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, however participants will need to fund their own travel to any face-to-face sessions.

When I first came into social care I didn’t understand the role very well and so I felt stampeded, I wasn’t able to be effective. I was in a hurry to run away but going through this course I had a big change of mind. I wish I’d done it earlier in my work in social care. It has improved my confidence, it has improved my communication. I have much better skills when it comes to collaboration and team work. I have seen career progression. The list is endless.
Christabel Chinonso participated in the programme 2022-23
Benefits
Participants report the “life changing” leadership experience and its professional and personal impact. Participants report feeling more confident to speak out and influence improvements in patient care and health outcomes.
- Greater understanding of personal leadership style
- Improved sense of equal treatment by peers and managers
- Improved satisfaction in working experience
- Improved satisfaction with career progression opportunities
- Increased self-presence and personal impact
- Increased understanding on the impact of self on others
- Increased confidence in speaking authoritatively
- Greater self-awareness, political and emotional intelligence
- Greater confidence to influence practice
- Impact positively on personal development
- Lead with greater presence
- Improved patient and health outcomes
Participants will join the FNF alumni community and receive ongoing networking and leadership development opportunities through events, webinars, media engagement and policy thought leadership.
Programme Structure
The Leadership programme includes:
You will also be supported to undertake an improvement project which will enable you to apply your learning to practice. The top projects will be selected to present at the celebration event.
Personality Preferences and Performance in Teams (Virtual)
Utilising Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) we will explore how personality preference influences personal leadership styles and how awareness can enable the promotion of high performing teams.
Principles and Practice of Quality Improvement (Virtual)
An introduction to QI including approaches to leading change management and measuring impact.
Presentation of Self: Presence & Impact (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts – Face to Face)
Practical approaches to developing confidence and clarity in the delivery of key messages for a range of audiences including the media.
Using your authority and influencing change (Virtual)
Development of leadership attributes which enable influence from ward to board. Specific consideration will be given to exploring the sphere of authority in relation to systems leadership and leading upwards.
Next steps (Virtual)
Structured questioning and listening approach. Developing individuals learning experience and increasing individuals understanding on personal effectiveness and personal power.
Celebration Event (Virtual)
An opportunity to network showcase and celebrate the impact of your Quality Improvement Projects and Leadership Journey.
Programme Timeline
Applications Open
Applications Close (midnight)
Notification letters
Welcome Day
Personality Preferences and Performance in Teams
(Virtual. 09.30-15.30)
QI Project
Principles and Practice of Quality Improvement
(Virtual. 09.30-16.30)
RADA Presentation of Self: Presence & Impact
(Face to Face – London. 09.30-17.30). Participants will be allocated one of the above dates
Using Your Authority and Influencing Change
(Virtual. 09.30-16.30 on each day)
Next Steps
(Virtual. 09.00-16.30)
Hand in of Quality Improvement Project
Two-minute elevator pitch
(12.00)
The top 5 QIPs will be requested to present at the celebration event
Celebration Event
(Face to Face – London. 10.00-15.00)
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the programme you must:
- be a registered nurse with the NMC.
- be a minimum of three years post qualification.
- Come from a Global Majority background.
- Be working in adult social care in England.
Application Process
To apply, complete the application form. The application, shortlisting and selection processes will be administered by the Florence Nightingale Foundation.
What you will need to demonstrate in your application form and interview:
- How you will use the programme to work with others, learn from, and share experiences
- How the programme will support your personal development plan (PDP)
- How you will use the experience to improve patient and health outcomes
- Your aspirations to develop as a leader
- Support from your line manager to enable you to attend all learning sessions/opportunities as part of this programme
Upon application, you are required to upload the following information:
- Personal, employment and education information
- A copy of your Professional registration documentation
- An electronic photo of yourself (head and shoulders in high resolution)
- A completed Senior Sponsor form (completed by your line manager) with authorisation to join the programme (see link to form below)
- Completed terms and conditions
Please note before application:
- Applications that do not demonstrate commitment to the profession, improving patient and health outcomes, commitment to the Florence Nightingale Foundation Alumni will not be considered
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted
- Applications without line manager support (through a completed Senior Sponsor form below) will not be accepted