Tackling Inequalities Leadership Programme 2025/26
The NHS Confederation has launched bookings for its support programme for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) directors and other board-level leaders with responsibility for tackling inequality; be that within the wider EDI remit or with a focus on health inequalities.
The programme, delivered as a mix of virtual and face-to-face sessions, offers leaders the opportunity to develop key strategic skills through collaborative small-group learning.
As the NHS Confederation, we fundamentally believe that without tackling inequality the NHS will not transform. Success is therefore dependent on a practical approach to tackling inequality as a core function for all health and care organisations, appropriately resourced and with robust strategic support from senior leadership.
This support offer, delivered in a small-group learning format, enhances the existing skills of leaders working within healthcare organisations to tackle inequality in both the workforce and the design and delivery of services.
Supporting the need for collaboration and inclusivity across systems, we work with leaders to develop their skills, equipping them with tools, ideas and insights, and connecting them with a community of their peers.
The programme rests on three key pillars, aligned with the NHS Confederation’s three-part leadership support pledge:
- Represent: Participants will be supported to build a national profile for the tackling inequalities agenda, coordinating an approach to influencing decision-makers based on first-hand knowledge of EDI/health inequalities in practice.
- Support: Individuals will be supported to develop their leadership capability and their expertise within the field of tackling inequality, and to showcase the high standard of existing practice in this area.
- Connect: Participants will be encouraged to work collaboratively with peers, both within and across systems, forming place-based partnerships as well as national alliances to share innovation and best practice and make change happen.
The Tackling Inequalities Leadership Programme is built on a foundation of experience within the NHS Confederation, having delivered a range of successful programmes supporting those working on the EDI agenda. This offer has been co-designed with members, as a clear value-add for the healthcare workforce and with a view to improving access, experience and outcomes for those served by the NHS.
How to apply
Applications for the 2025/26 programme are now open. Please complete this form to apply. The deadline for applications is 15 September, and programme delivery will begin in October 2025.
More information
For more details, please access our Tackling Inequalities Leadership Programme brochure.
Feedback from our current cohort
The programme has been running since September 2023, supporting leaders from 12 organisations to meet their strategic goals.
“This programme enables me to cement the role of EDI as part of my trust’s general business strategy, leveraging it to improve the organisation’s operational performance and service delivery.”
Clive Clarke, Director of Inclusion, Nottingham University Hospitals
“The programme enabled me to develop my thinking and take time out to connect and reflect with colleagues across the NHS. It always topped me up with renewed and refreshed energy in respects of my role and my influence on others. The programme content was informative, empowering, current, refreshing, and safe. I would highly recommend board level and senior leaders to embrace this learning and development opportunity. Thank you, NHS Confederation.”
Emma Wilkins, Deputy People Director, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
