The NHS Wales Operational Managers Development Programme is a national leadership development programme commissioned by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) on behalf of Welsh Government. Developed in response to recommendations from the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) on NHS Performance and Productivity, the programme aims to strengthen operational leadership capability and establish a consistent approach to the development of operational managers across NHS Wales.
Operational managers play a critical role in delivering safe, effective and compassionate healthcare. They lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex services, oversee operational performance and drive continuous improvement across the NHS.
As part of the Welsh Government remit for HEIW, the programme will be rolled out nationally, with the expectation that all operational managers in Bands 6–8a will complete the programme over the next two years. This represents a significant national investment in operational leadership and demonstrates a shared commitment to developing a confident, capable and connected operational management workforce across NHS Wales.
The programme has been designed and co-produced with operational leaders and subject matter experts from across NHS Wales, to support operational managers working across a range of clinical and operational pathways, recognising both the shared leadership challenges experienced across NHS Wales and the unique demands of different service areas.
A national pilot involving operational managers from across Wales successfully tested the programme content, learning approach and participant experience. Feedback from participants helped shape the final programme, ensuring it delivers practical learning that can be applied immediately in the workplace while creating valuable opportunities for collaboration, networking and shared learning across organisations.
The programme has been designed around seven key operational pathways across NHS Wales:
Participants will benefit from pathway-specific learning while working collaboratively with operational managers from across all clinical pathways. This dual approach enables participants to build expertise within their own area while developing a broader understanding of the wider healthcare system, encouraging cross-system collaboration, shared learning, and stronger professional networks that supports improved operational delivery across NHS Wales.
The NHS Wales Operational Managers Development Programme will be delivered through a phased regional model, commencing in Autumn 2026. Delivery has been designed to maximise participation, strengthen collaboration and enable organisations to embed learning at scale within their local health and care systems.
The programme will be delivered across three geographical regions:
Each regional cohort will bring together operational managers from across Health Boards and Trusts, creating opportunities to build strong professional networks, share operational challenges and solutions, and learn alongside colleagues working across the wider NHS Wales system.
Each cohort will experience a blended learning journey comprising virtual onboarding, face-to-face development workshops, virtual peer learning pods and a celebration event, providing participants with opportunities to learn, apply and reflect throughout the programme.
Following the success of the pilot, the programme will begin its national rollout from Autumn 2026.
The rollout will be delivered in phases across NHS Wales over the next two years, creating opportunities for operational managers to learn together, share experiences and build strong regional and national networks. The ambition is for all operational managers in Bands 6-8a across NHS Wales to complete the programme, supporting a consistent approach to operational leadership development and strengthening leadership capability across the service.
Further information on regional cohorts, programme dates and registration will be released as delivery progresses.
The first cohorts will commence in Autumn 2026.
If you are an operational manager within NHS Wales and would like receive updates about future cohorts, registration opportunities and programme developments, please complete the NHS Wales Operational Managers register form. By registering your interest, you’ll receive the latest information as the programmes is rolled out across NHS Wales.