Supporting the next generation of healthcare academic leaders
The Council’s Emerging Deans Leadership Programme is a new scheme designed to support and develop future leaders of health faculties across the UK. This year-long programme offers tailored development, strategic mentorship, and invaluable networking opportunities for academic leaders whose next career stage is a Dean level role.
Emerging Deans Leadership Programme
Please note, we are not currently accepting applications at this time.
The Emerging Deans Leadership Programme is a senior-level development initiative designed to support experienced academic leaders who are preparing to step into Dean roles within healthcare education. Building on the foundations of the Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme, this programme is tailored specifically for individuals currently operating at Head of School, Associate Dean, or Deputy Dean level, whose next career transition is to faculty-wide executive leadership. It responds to the increasing complexity of the health and higher education landscape, equipping participants to lead at scale, influence policy, and navigate organisational, political, and system-wide change.
The programme focuses on the strategic responsibilities of a Dean, including leading large and diverse portfolios, shaping institutional and national agendas, stewarding resources, and driving inclusive cultures across faculties. Participants will deepen their understanding of the external policy environment, governance, and system leadership, while strengthening their personal leadership presence and decision-making capability. Through peer learning, senior-level mentorship, and engagement with national stakeholders, the Emerging Deans Leadership Programme supports a strong, diverse pipeline of future Deans ready to lead.
Emerging Deans Leadership Programme
Over the course of the year, leaders will take part in a range developmental activities, including:
- Tailored one-to-one mentorship with a Council member or leader
- Attendance to our Skills Summit training day focused on developing strategic leadership skills needed for the healthcare education sector
- Discounted attendance at Council events
- Engagement with Council resources, events, and policy work
- Networking opportunities with Council stakeholders, members, and senior leaders across the UK
and other ad hoc opportunities
Who is the programme for?
The Emerging Deans Leadership Programme is designed for academics within the healthcare education sector whose next career stage is a Dean-level role. Individuals should be from career stages such as Head of School, Associate Dean, or Deputy Dean. Applicants should be open and willing to learn about driving change, strategic thinking at a senior level and how cross-sector collaboration can help to address complex challenges within the health and education sectors.