HEIW refreshes NHS Wales General Management Graduate Programme to strengthen future leadership

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has refreshed the NHS Wales General Management Graduate Programme, introducing a range of enhancements designed to strengthen leadership capacity across NHS Wales and support the delivery of high-quality, safe and person-centred care.

The updated programme has been shaped by feedback from graduate trainees, NHS Wales organisations and executive leaders to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the health service while developing the next generation of compassionate and capable leaders.

A key part of NHS Wales' leadership succession and talent management strategy, the programme prepares graduates for operational and strategic leadership roles through paid employment, practical experience, mentoring and placements across NHS Wales organisations.

Aligned with the NHS Wales Leadership and Management Framework, the refreshed programme introduces a more flexible, practice-based approach to leadership development. Trainees will spend more time applying their learning in NHS Wales organisations while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to lead with confidence.

Enhancements also include an evidence-based recruitment process to identify candidates with the greatest leadership potential, increased executive engagement throughout the programme and strengthened employment arrangements to support progression into substantive leadership roles.

The changes are expected to strengthen succession planning, build leadership capability and create a sustainable pipeline of future leaders, while supporting service improvement, organisational performance and better outcomes for patients.

The refresh builds on the success of the programme since its re-establishment by HEIW in September 2021. Over the past five years, graduate trainees have contributed to improvement projects, supported service transformation and brought fresh perspectives to challenges across NHS Wales. Feedback from host organisations and executive leaders has consistently recognised the professionalism, innovation and impact of trainees, demonstrating the value of investing in future leadership talent.

Alex Howells, Chief Executive Officer, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), said:

"Strong leadership and management is essential to delivering high-quality care and meeting the changing needs of the people of Wales. This refreshed programme reflects our commitment to developing compassionate, capable leaders who can drive improvement across NHS Wales. By investing in future leadership and management, we are strengthening our workforce and ensuring NHS Wales has the talent and skills needed to deliver better outcomes for patients and communities for years to come."

Recruitment for the next cohort of the NHS Wales General Management Graduate Programme is expected to open this autumn, with further details to be announced in due course.

For further information please see NHS Wales General Management Graduate Programme - HEIW or contact HEIW.GraduateProgramme@wales.nhs.uk