The Emerging Deans Leadership Programme, a new year-long initiative from the Council of Deans of Health, was successfully launched online on today, bringing together eight senior leaders looking to become Deans in healthcare education.

Designed to prepare experienced academic leaders, such as Heads of School, Associate Deans, and Deputy Deans, for transition into Dean-level roles within healthcare education, the programme builds on the foundations of the Council’s Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme and responds to the increasing demand for leadership support within the sector.

Throughout the year ahead, the Emerging Deans will take part in tailored development activities, including one-to-one mentorship with senior Council members and leaders, a focused Skills Summit on strategic leadership capabilities, and opportunities to engage with national stakeholders and Council events. These elements are designed to deepen participants’ strategic insight, strengthen leadership presence, and enhance their ability to influence policy and drive inclusive organisational cultures.

As a pilot cohort, this first group of Emerging Deans will help co-create and shape the future delivery of the programme, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of healthcare faculties and strengthens the pipeline of confident, capable leaders ready to take on deanships and executive faculty leadership in years to come.

The programme reflects the Council’s broader leadership development work, which supports current and future leaders across the healthcare education spectrum, reinforcing values of inclusivity, collaboration, and strategic influence in a rapidly changing sector.