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think more systemically, deepen self-awareness and lead complex organisational change with greater confidence and clarity.
Gain the confidence to make the decisions that matter most
Further develop your strategic thinking skills, critical to leading with confidence and having clarity when decision-making.
Built around the realities of strategic FE leadership
We will address the operational, strategic and system-level challenges facing today’s FE and skills workforce so you can develop key skills and strategies in real context.
Lead change with clarity, purpose and conviction
Discover the leadership strengths that drive your impact. Build the essential skills to navigate and lead complex organisational change with purpose and impact.
Designed and delivered by sector experts
Connect with inspiring leaders who are experienced and respected FE Principals, CEOs and system leaders, ensuring your learning is grounded in real-world sector insight and credibility.
Cross-sector peer network beyond the programme
Leadership can be lonely. Through shared experiences, honest conversations and lasting peer relationships, you'll build a trusted network of senior leaders who understand the challenges you face and continue to support you long after the programme ends.
Deep, immersive development — not a quick fix
A high-quality, blended learning journey delivered over six months, giving you the time and space to embed learning and apply it in real organisational contexts, with the same peers throughout.
Lead with confidence in a complex world
Deepen and enhance your strategic leadership practice through structured reflection and expert input.
Gain and apply practical strategies to lead complex organisational change with confidence and in a sustainable way.
Explore sector wide challenges tailored to your needs in a safe, confidential and reflective environment.
Build a powerful peer network, supported by 1:1 coaching and project based learning aligned to the FE sector’s Leadership Standards.
What leaders will gain
Make stronger strategic decisions and with the tools to lead change with confidence
You will develop the judgement, tools and confidence to lead complex organisational change — supporting improved performance, clearer direction and more effective use of resources.
Proven approaches to respond to sector challenges with practical action
You will gain practical approaches to responding to policy, funding, workforce and quality pressures, with strategies you can apply immediately. Helping you respond confidently to funding pressures, workforce challenges and an evolving policy landscape.
Lead with greater self-awareness, sharper strategic thinking and stronger influence
Enhance your self-awareness, sharpen strategic thinking and strengthen your influence to better align your teams, build trust and lead more effectively across your organisation.
Reduced isolation through a lasting and trusted senior peer network
Build lasting relationships with other senior leaders, gain an ongoing sounding board for strategic decisions and access to shared practice beyond the programme.
The chance to learn from experienced experts in the FE and skills sector
Designed and delivered by experienced Principals, CEOs and sector experts, you will explore the realities of the FE landscape, test practical strategies and develop approaches you can apply immediately within your own organisations.
A dedicated and supportive space to step back and work on real challenges in the sector
We know leading in today's FE and skills sector is demanding. We give you the dedicated time and space to step back from operational pressures, gain fresh perspectives and grow alongside a trusted peer group facing similar challenges.
Investment for long-term impact
leadership impact
Build leadership into clear decisions, strong direction, and better learner outcomes.
confident teams
Create empowered leaders ready and able to drive culture, collaboration and change with confidence.
time for learning
The chance to step back, deepen leadership capability, renew clarity and ability to navigate complexity.
Programme structure
This programme is a six-month blended development journey. All costs and expenses included in fee.
Designed and delivered by experienced Principals, CEOs and sector experts, the programme combines immersive residential learning with personalised coaching, structured reflection and peer challenge.
Three-hour online session
Designed to set direction, build connection, and establish a strong foundation for the learning journey.
- Introductory activity to establish participants experience and aims for the programme.
- Explore ETF Leadership Standards to analyse participants leadership skills and highlight areas that will be a developmental focus in the residential content.
- Case study and discussion to explore approaches to leadership challenges.
Three day, two night residential
Following the online launch session, participants will come together an an immersive residential experience. In-person development deepens learning, strengthens peer relationships and brings leadership concepts to life.
- Eight interactive sessions covering a range of relevant topics.
- Dedicated time to network and build strong peer connections.
- Opportunities to learn alongside and from experiences experts from the FE and skills sector.
Following the first residential, participants continue their development through a blend of practical application and personalised support. This phase is designed to embed learning, encourage reflection and maintain momentum between in-person modules. This time of the programme includes:
- Undertaking a project-based independent learning activity applying programme insights to real workplace challenges.
- Two one-to-one sessions of individual coaching to support individual goals, reflection and development with an expert.
- Bringing all project work, insights and experiences forward into the second residential.
Two day, one night residential
The programme concludes with a focused residential designed to consolidate learning, strengthen strategic thinking and turn insight into action.
- Seven sessions, applying learning in the context of the wider macro-environment.
- Share project insights and experiences with peers.
- Refine and present a clear proposal for organisational change.
Your investment includes
- Six-month development journey
- Expert led online module
- Five days of residential learning split over two residentials - including accommodation and meals
- Two individual coaching sessions
- Connect with and learn from former CEO’s ad Principals
- Long term peer network
- Practical leadership toolkit
Why ETF?
As the professional body for the further education (FE) and skills sector, ETF brings a unique combination of sector expertise, credibility and insight that sets our programmes apart.
Our leadership development is shaped by a deep understanding of the challenges facing FE providers today—from workforce development and succession planning to organisational change and learner outcomes. Trusted by organisations across the sector, participants benefit from evidence-informed practice, experienced facilitators with extensive sector knowledge, and access to a powerful network of peers from across the FE and skills community.
With ETF, you're investing in more than professional development—you're investing in the future strength, resilience and leadership capability of your organisation.
Who is this programme created for?
This programme is designed for senior leaders in the FE and skills sector who are committed to driving organisation-wide improvement and making a meaningful impact beyond their own remit.
It is particularly relevant for those in strategic leadership roles, including:
- Directors
- Executive Directors
- Assistant Principals
- Deputy/ Vice Principals
- others with significant cross-organisational responsibility and influence.
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