31 January 2025

We are delighted to announce that we are now offering our impressive 21st Century Leadership Programme nationally to NHS Trusts. A programme designed by psychologists, for psychologists.

21 CLP Poster Drafts.pngDrawing on the best evidence, the programme combines psychological theory with leadership science. It covers topical issues such as values led leading; psychological safety; relational skills; systems thinking; creative design; compassionate authority and self-awareness. The programme aims to equip emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge and personal effectiveness to ensure the NHS becomes an organisation of choice for staff and an organisation of excellence for the people we serve by weaving Restorative Justice, equality, diversity and inclusion throughout. The programme will be delivered through face-to-face sessions and online reflective sessions. Participants also complete a leadership project.

There are up to 25 spaces available for a 10-day programme with CNWL. Psychological professions working in the NHS across the UK are welcome to apply. Please do share this with your service leads within NHS services or individual professionals you think would be interested in this training. We will also consider applications from psychological professionals outside of the NHS. The programme has been delivered successfully within CNWL with a first cohort of Psychological Professions. Previous attendees described the programme as “An intense, challenging, but ultimately rewarding experience” and said that they would “recommend this course for all leaders within the trust and beyond”.

If anyone wishes to find out more or has any questions, we’d be happy for them to contact us at cnwl.psychologyprofessions@nhs.net 

Who can apply?

We are inviting applications from staff within the psychological professions. The programme, starting in 2026, will be aimed at those who are approaching or are already at consultant level (Band 8b and above). We particularly encourage applications from individuals from Global Majority backgrounds as part of our commitment to increasing diversity and representation in senior leadership. We will also consider applications from psychological professionals outside of the NHS.

When does the programme start?

The programme is expected to start in Autumn with the first taught days scheduled for the 30 September 2026. There are up to 25 places available for a 10-day programme which will run over the course of 9 months.

What are the fees?

The fee is 3,500 GBP per person/space inclusive of all elements and learning materials for the programme. 

What topics are covered?

Some of the subjects covered in the programme include:  

  • Cultivating Compassionate Self & Systems  
  • Cultural Humility & Equity and Justice  
  • Listening to Communities  
  • Psychological Safety in Teams  
  • Civility & Respect  
  • Key Coaching Skills for Managers 

Dr Ryan Kemp

DSC_0824.JPGRyan is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and currently Director of Therapies at CNWL. He is also Honorary Professor of Clinical Practice at Brunel University London and is an associate fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Ryan worked for many years in addictions services across London, was an early team member in National Problem Gambling Clinic and has worked and researched in the addiction field for more than 20 years. His first book, Transcending Addiction, was published by Routledge in 2018.

He has been a clinical director in both mental health and community (physical) health services. As Director of Therapies he leads all the AHP (physios, OTs, SLT etc) and psychological professions (psychologists and psychotherapists) in the trust. His current portfolio includes leading on staff wellbeing, OD development projects, reflective practice and supervision across CNWL, as well as developing the 21st Century Leadership Programme.

Ryan completed the Nye Bevan Programme for executive leadership through the NHS Leadership Academy in 2020. Ryan is currently writing a book on compassionate leadership.

 

Dr Christopher Whiteley

Christopher Whiteley.jpgChristopher is CNWL’s Chief Psychologist and a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. He has extensive experience providing training in leadership development and psychological treatment approaches to various professional groups over many years. He was formerly Deputy Clinical Director with the University of East London Clinical Psychology Doctoral Training Programme and continues as an Associate Clinical Tutor. Across his career he has worked in a range of clinical services including Acute and Crisis Mental Health, HIV and Sexual Health Services, Substance Misuse Services and IAPT. As an NHS Leader Christopher aims for a leadership style that is Compassionate and Inclusive, challenging discrimination and inequality.

Christopher is trained in a range of evidence based psychological treatment approaches and is accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) as a therapist, trainer and supervisor.

Please fill out the forms below and send them to cnwl.psychology@nhs.net to apply for the programme.

The 21CLP National Programme 2026 is the application form we would like you to complete and return to us to be considered for the Autumn 2026 intake.

The 21CLP 2026 National Form is a form requesting your demographic details.