Inspire - RCSLT Leadership Programme

Inspire – the RCSLT leadership programme, has been developed to inspire our members to become future healthcare leaders. Cohort two is now open for applications. Applications for cohort two are now closed.

About the programme

Following a successful first year, Inspire – the RCSLT’s leadership programme, opened applications for a second cohort of future leaders in June 2026. Developed in collaboration with Real Healthcare Solutions Ltd, the programme provides our members with a learning experience which fulfils their leadership expectations from both an operational and strategic perspective. During the programme RCSLT will support you in understanding how your leadership behaviours affect the culture and climate you, your colleagues, and teams work in.

The programme consists of two in-person days and three virtual seminars as well as self-directed learning. It will focus on three main domains: understanding self-awareness; leading a team; and promoting and developing your profession. Programme participants will also be supported in completing a project scope during the course of the programme.

The overall programme will support you to realise that what you do and how you behave will affect the experiences of patients and service users of your organisation, the quality of care provided, and the reputation of the organisation itself.

The leadership programme is funded by the RCSLT and free to participants, however travel and accommodation costs will not be covered.

Applications for cohort two are now closed.

We held a drop-in webinar on 26 June 2025 at 7pm for those interested in applying. Watch a recording of the webinar for more information about the programme. You can also download the application pack for information.

Who is the programme for

There are 18 places available in this year’s programme, which is open to RCSLT members across the whole of the UK who fulfil our selection criteria.

In particular we are looking for members who aspire to move from a more clinical role into team leader responsibility within 12 months of programme completion and/or those who have been appointed as a leader within the last 6 months.

You will need the support of your line manager and/or organisational permission to apply. If you are an independent practitioner a statement from a mentor supporting your attendance on the programme would be beneficial. You will also need to be available to attend all set programme dates in central London in person and the virtual evening seminars.

RCSLT is committed to being an inclusive membership organisation. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

For more information on what we’re looking for, along with the selection criteria please download the application pack. For queries, please contact leadership@rcslt.org.

Programme schedule

If taking part in the programme you will need to be available for the following dates.

Programme launch (full day in person)
Date: Wednesday 29 October 2025
Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Venue: RCSLT conference room, 2-3 White Hart Yard, London, SE1 1NX

Three evening seminars (virtual)

Seminar 1 – Thursday 4 December 2025, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Seminar 2 – Thursday 15 January 2026, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Seminar 3 – Thursday 26 February 2026, 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Programme follow up (full day in person)
Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Venue: RCSLT conference room, 2-3 White Hart Yard, London, SE1 1NX

As part of the programme you will be supported in completing a project scope that will be utilised as a reflective learning tool during your Inspire journey. Sufficient time should also be allocated during the programme to develop and utilise this reflective tool.

How to apply

To apply for the programme applicants were asked to complete an application form which includes uploading a copy of their C.V. (max 2 pages) and completing a 250-word expression of interest entitled: “How I believe this RCSLT leadership programme will assist my own professional development”.

Applications for the second cohort are now closed. For queries please contact leadership@rcslt.org.

All applications will be reviewed by our short-listing panel and we will let candidates know if they have been successful on 11 August 2025.