Band 7 leadership development programme 24 February – 2 April 2026

This course is suitable for all Band 7 leaders including labour ward co-ordinators and those who are leading teams.

Band 7 clinical leaders and co-ordinators have a key position in maternity services to support and foster positive workplace cultures and ensure safe and effective care delivery within their teams. Understanding how teams work and deliver in complex care systems lies at the heart of leadership.

We have created a leadership development programme for band 7 leaders. Our programme focuses on culture, workplace behaviours and human factors linking these to safety, while also exploring key skills needed to lead effectively in highly demanding, complex and dynamic clinical environments.

The programme will focus on four key learning and development areas:

1. Improvement for quality and safety in maternity

1. Behaviours

1. Communication

1. Political awareness

Programme commitment

It is imperative for all participants to fully engage in the programme to include sharing workplace relationship experiences and being an authentic, inclusive, and compassionate leader. As part of your application, you will be asked to identify a simple quality improvement (QI) idea that you will develop through the course of this programme. You will need to speak with your line manager about your idea so they can support you to develop this in your clinical area. You may wish to look at a change in practice/behaviour/policy in your clinical area which may enhance culture/safety/quality in the workplace

Overall study time, including self-directed learning and preparation for the programme sessions in person and virtual, and for a small QI project development, needs to be agreed prior to starting the programme. On average, including attendance at all sessions, the total study time is approximately 50 hours. This does not include travel time.

Course dates

How to apply

You will need to complete an application form which ask for an outline of your proposed QI project, agreement to attend from your manager and confirmation you have secured funding to attend. Places are limited to 14 for the course.

Application close  Midnight Monday 5 November 2025

To confirm a place on the course your Trust/Health Board will need to supply a PDF of the purchase order by 21 November 2025.  Your place is not confirmed until we have received a PDF of the purchase order.

Cost to attend £800+VAT to RCM members and £925+VAT to non-members 

For any questions about the programme  please email us at  events@rcm.org.uk