CARE Course Topic: Management and leadership

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Pathfinder Leaders in Palliative Care 

Are you a professional working in health and social care interested to contribute to positive experiences of death, dying and loss through strong and confident leadership?

If so, we would like to invest in you.

We are interested to work with emerging leaders who want to improve how people live, die and grieve, by drawing on new and different leadership thinking and action. They will be people that aspire to shape care, build partnerships and form services that are future orientated, courageous and creative in nature.

You will have the opportunity to learn as part of a group of like-minded people who can rise above the challenges of today to meet tomorrow’s opportunities. Those contributing to the course as facilitators and guest speakers are drawn from within and beyond the hospice and palliative care sectors.

Please email education@stchristophers.org.uk to discuss joining.

Our curriculum is forward-focused and covers a range of issues. Online sessions last three hours in length, providing opportunities for conceptual learning, practical application, personal reflection and action planning. 

What is expected if you join the course?

In the course of the programme you are expected to undertake a work-based project. We can help guide you in relation to the type of project most appropriate, but it must be one that is seen as valuable by the organisation for which you work, and one which calls on leadership skills in its design and implementation. Your organisation must be happy to support you to identify and work on the project, giving you access to relevant data and resources. Ideally your managers will allocate some time for you to work on this, protected from the demands of the rest of your job. 

We expect participants to attend at least 80% of the course and to be prepared to complete the work-based project.

This leadership programme is an excellent opportunity for leaders and managers that have an aspiration to progress to director level and beyond. You will be recognised as having leadership potential and talent by your employing organisation.

This course will be of interest to:

  • Senior Managers already in post who want to build strategic leadership skills
  • Senior team leaders and heads of department who aspire to lead directorates in the future
  • New CEOs or COOs who have recently taken up roles within the hospice/palliative care sector and who want to immerse themselves in this area of work
  • Existing directors looking to hone their leadership skills

Topics covered in the programme: 

  • Knowing self, values and strengths
  • Building personal assets and resilience
  • Building strategic vision and clarity
  • Financial confidence
  • Authentic, centred leadership and gravitas
  • Forward looking transformation and change
  • Negotiation skills and influencing others
  • Maximising agency and leverage
  • Big picture thinking
  • Driving innovation
  • Building others
  • Networks, collaboration and partnership working
  • Being intelligent around risk
  • Intimacy at scale

Marie Cooper

Marie Cooper is a nurse with extensive experience in clinical leadership and practice development across a range of care settings. Having led change in previous roles, she now enjoys working…
Read More Marie Cooper

“The training strengthened my confidence as a leader and had a transformative impact on my career. I found my place in palliative care with a renewed sense of purpose”

– Thamirys Mendes, Brazil participant



“The course created a psychologically safe environment that encouraged open dialogue and deep self-reflection. I felt comfortable exploring my own strengths and areas for growth without judgment”

– Caroline Phillips, UK participant

Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Nurse Consultant Development Programme

Nigel Dodds Nurses

Welcome to the Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) and Nurse Consultant (NC) Programme — a unique opportunity for experienced nurses in palliative and end of life care to advance their careers.

Offered by St Christopher’s CARE, a leading institution in hospice care, this programme equips you with the skills, confidence, and leadership needed to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.

Whether you’re looking to become an ACP or NC, you’ll benefit from expert teaching, practical learning, and a supportive community.

Join us to take your nursing practice to the next level and make a meaningful difference in end of life care.

For more information about the programme, please email the Professional Learning Team at education@stchristophers.org.uk

The potential contribution of senior nurses in palliative care has arguably never been greater. There is clear recognition on the part of Government, commissioners and providers of the value of strong clinical leadership to meet emerging demographic, disease specific, regulatory and other challenges. Simultaneously, there is new rhetoric and clarity about the potential role of nurses alongside medical and other colleagues to fulfil such a leadership role.

This unique course will offer sustained opportunity for nurses who aspire to be advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) or nurse consultants (NCs) to gain the skills and knowledge required within these roles. We welcome nurses from across the NHS, private and voluntary sector.

The programme is divided into two parts. All learners start together for the first half of the programme. Then, those that wish to advance their role beyond advanced nursing practice to that of a consultant remain for the second half of the programme.

  • New dates to be confirmed

Qualifications and experience required:

  • Experience: At least three years in a Band 7 nursing role or equivalent.
  • Palliative Care: Significant experience in palliative and end of life care.
  • Education: Completion (or near completion) of a Master’s program that includes advanced physical assessment and independent prescribing modules, or these must be completed by the end of the course.
  • Self-Development: A strong passion for self-improvement and enhancing nursing practice.
  • Leadership: A desire to be an effective leader focused on improving the experiences of dying and grief through advanced practice.
  • Network Commitment: Willingness to actively participate in the Global Palliative Nursing Network during the program.

Support from Host Organisation:

Candidates must work for an organisation that can support advanced practitioners, including:

  • Clinical Support: Access to supervision from a consultant doctor or nurse in relevant competencies (can be arranged as needed).
  • Mentorship: Guidance from a more senior nurse (can also be arranged as needed).
  • In-House Resources: Access to advice on independent prescribing and advanced examinations.

Host Organisation Requirements:

  • Adjusted responsibilities to allow for project completion, quality improvement experiences, and leadership opportunities.
  • There must be a senior nurse or doctor available to assess and sign off on the nurse’s capabilities during practice.
  • The organisation must agree to support the nurse’s development throughout the program with:
    • Financial assistance.
    • Time away from clinical duties for study.

Teaching and Learning Structure:

Participants will be taught by a diverse team of clinicians, healthcare leaders, academics, and peers. Learning will take place both in person and virtually.

Course Structure:

  • Aspiring Nurse Consultants (NCs): Must complete both Part 1 and Part 2.
  • Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs): Only required to complete Part 1.

Part 1 (For ACPs and NCs):

  • 12 In-Person Days: Comprehensive, face-to-face training sessions.
  • Minimum 6 Days of Self-Directed Learning: Independent study tailored by the course requirements.
  • Leadership Training (Optional): Available virtually for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills.
  • Teach with CARE (Optional): A hybrid program (in-person and virtual) designed to develop teaching and mentoring skills.

Part 2 (For Aspiring NCs Only):

  • 6 In-Person Days: Advanced, face-to-face learning specific to the Nurse Consultant role.
  • Minimum 2 Days of Self-Directed Learning: Independent study guided by course expectations.

Learning Methods for All Participants:

  • Lectures, Seminars, and Webinars: Engaging and informative sessions delivered by experts.
  • Workshops: Practical, hands-on learning activities.
  • Communities of Practice: Collaborative spaces for peer support and shared learning.
  • Guided Reflections: Opportunities for self-assessment and reflection on practice.
  • Clinical Observations and Placements: Real-world experience in clinical settings.
  • Online Learning Platform: A virtual space for interaction with peers and faculty, as well as access to additional on-demand learning resources.

Learners in the program will:

  • Understand the current landscape of palliative and end of life care and the role of nursing within it.
  • Grasp the diverse responsibilities of an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) or Nurse Consultant (NC) in this context.
  • Gain confidence in delivering skilled, evidence-based, personalized care to dying patients and their families, as expected of an ACP or NC.
  • Identify and act on leadership opportunities at all levels (individual, team, organiSation, system) that benefit from ACP or NC expertise.
  • Understand the importance of quality in healthcare and the role of senior clinical leaders in maintaining high standards.
  • Explore ways to advance and contribute to the nursing profession.

Meet your Programme Leaders

The programme will be led by Heather Richardson and Marie Cooper who will draw on the rich experience of colleagues within and beyond St Christopher’s working as senior clinicians and consultants. Some of the in-house team you will meet are described below. 

Marie Cooper

Marie Cooper is a nurse with extensive experience in clinical leadership and practice development across a range of care settings. Having led change in previous roles, she now enjoys working…
Read More Marie Cooper
ACP and Nurse Consultant Development Programme

Leadership & Management Course for Specialty Registrars and SAS Doctors in Palliative Medicine

In partnership with

Princess Alice Hospice logo

Elevate Your Leadership and Management Skills

Register your interest for our 2027 Leadership & Management Programme for Specialty Registrars and SAS Doctors in Palliative Medicine.

Since our first course in 2003, this well-established programme has helped more than 560 doctors across the UK and Ireland strengthen their leadership skills.

Designed and delivered by senior leaders and clinicians from Princess Alice Hospice, St Christopher’s Hospice, the NHS and 3rd sector leaders, this interactive programme helps future consultants and senior SAS doctors develop the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in today’s healthcare environment.

Two nurses walking and talking together.

Our 2027 programme offers a practical, interactive learning experience designed to enhance your leadership and management capabilities. You’ll gain tools and knowledge that directly support your professional development and align with the specialty training curriculum requirements.

Our Leadership & Management Course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead effectively and manage complex situations with skill and professionalism. Through practical learning, you’ll develop strategies for handling difficult conversations, resolving conflict, and driving positive change within your team or organisation.

The programme objectives are:

Building effective management skills and abilities
Enhancing practical management skills
Addressing current curriculum training requirements

Upon successful completion, participants will receive 20-25 Category 1 (External) CPD credits accredited by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians.

Delivered entirely online across 5 days, the course runs at the start of each year and offers flexibility to learn, collaborate, and enhance your leadership skills from wherever you are.

  • Personal Leadership & Professional Development
    Develop your self-awareness, leadership capability, and effective communication skills. Practical exercises focused on influencing, team working, collaboration and building your personal leadership toolkit.
  • Building Leadership Confidence & Resilience
    Overcome imposter syndrome, enhance wellbeing and resilience, and develop your confidence in decision-making. Supporting the transition into senior clinical and consultant leadership roles.
  • Management Skills for Clinical Leaders
    Understand budgets, business cases, job planning and resource management. Develop practical skills in people management, performance conversations and leading teams effectively.
  • Quality Improvement, Governance & Digital Transformation
    Explore quality improvement methodologies, clinical governance, complaints management, CQC requirements and hospice governance. Recognise the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in healthcare.
  • Organisational Strategy & Workforce Leadership
    Understand healthcare and hospice organisational structures, including boards, trustees, fundraising and communications functions. Examine workforce planning, staff wellbeing and strategies for leading organisational change.
  • Current & Future Challenges in Palliative Care
    Explore the evolving landscape of palliative and end-of-life care, including service pressures, workforce challenges, changing patient needs and opportunities for innovation and sustainable service development.

Attendees must join for all 5 session, the dates are below. Each session will start at 9am and finish at 4pm.

  • Tuesday 12 January 2027
  • Wednesday 13 January 2027
  • Thursday 14 January 2027
  • Wednesday 27 January 2027
  • Thursday 28 January 2027

This course is open to Palliative medicine ST6/7 (ST5/6 2010 curriculum) SAS doctors, and early consultants in palliative medicine based in the United Kingdom.

“The whole course has been excellent and extremely well facilitated. The practical tools and tips – for example managing confrontation have been really good. Being able to engage with the other trainees through the chat function was also helpful.”
– Attendee 2025

To enrol on the course, please email us directly at education@stchristophers.org.uk.

When you email please provide your ST level and CCT/proposed CESR date, if this is applicable to your role.