Middle Leaders Programme
The Leadership Centre believes it is important to offer opportunities for development prior to people reaching the most senior positions in organisations. That’s why we developed the Middle Leaders Programme.
At the Leadership Centre, we believe Middle Leaders are pivotal to organisational development. Across our leadership programmes—whether focused on Middle Leaders, Top Teams, or project-based work—a recurring theme has been the importance of prioritising those in the middle for any level of sustained change to be successful.
Middle Leaders often represent the largest leadership cohort in an organisation. They act as a vital bridge between strategic decision-makers and frontline delivery, translating vision into action while staying closely connected to day-to-day operations. Despite this, their development is frequently overlooked. This programme is designed to equip them with the skills, confidence, and networks to navigate their unique challenges and drive meaningful change. The cohort stays together for a period of roughly six months and is encouraged to stay in touch as they continue in their leadership roles and beyond.
Key Information
Dates: to be determined by you as the commissioner
Frequency: Typically, monthly engagements
Duration: 6-9 months
Format: A blend of residential, face-to-face workshops and online workshops
Faculty: Faculty will be drawn from our pool of local government and leadership experts
Who is the programme for?
The Leadership Centre has worked with a wide range of middle leaders from across sectors in different programme formats:
- Single-organisation cohorts – e.g., a Local Authority’s aspiring Middle Leaders
- Sector-based cohorts – e.g., Health sector Middle Leaders
- Cross-sector cohorts – bringing together leaders from different sectors to enhance shared learning and collaboration
While the specific audience will depend on your organisation’s needs, this programme is generally designed for those in ‘Head of’, ‘Assistant Director’, or equivalent middle leadership roles. In loose terms, the programme is for people at Tiers 2 or 3 in their organisations, although commissioners should take this as a guide and not a barrier – influence and leadership are not always hierarchically bound.
Benefits
The impact of the programme will be shaped by its design and focus. However, common benefits include:
For the Leader:
- Increased confidence and leadership capability
- Time away from daily pressures to reflect and recalibrate
- A connected peer network for ongoing support
- Greater clarity on career progression, if desired
For the Organisation:
- Healthier, more resilient leaders
- Greater leadership sustainability and succession planning
- A critical mass of skilled leaders whose impact will ripple across the organisation
Focus and Structure
All of our middle leader programmes are bespoke – designed to meet the specific needs of the cohort that we are working with. However, common themes across our leadership work include:
- Leader as Coach – Developing coaching skills to empower teams and reduce the burden on Middle Leaders
- Performance Management – Creating space to reflect on managing team performance and introducing practical tools to enhance effectiveness
- The Squeezed Middle – Exploring the pressures faced by middle leaders and equipping them with strategies to navigate these challenges