A pilot leadership programme designed for medical academic psychiatrists in Oxford has received positive feedback, with participants reporting increased leadership confidence, stronger professional connections and greater reflection on their future careers.
The Next Generation Leadership Programme (NGLP) was launched in 2025 as a collaboration between Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Oxford Health’s Data Science Theme and Academic Career Development team.
Conceived by Professor Philip McGuire and developed and delivered by Dr Graham Blackman and Dr Riccardo De Giorgi, the programme is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, bringing together expertise in research leadership and clinical academic career development.
The programme was developed to strengthen the pipeline of future academic and BRC leaders, support career progression and retention, and develop effective and inclusive leadership approaches among medical academic psychiatrists.
The programme brought together a small cohort of academic psychiatrists transitioning into more senior roles, providing opportunities to engage with experienced leaders through facilitated discussion, peer learning and reflection on real-world leadership challenges.
Sessions explored leadership across academic, clinical and industry settings, including topics such as leadership identity, running an academic department and leading a BRC.
Positive impact on confidence and career development
Feedback from the pilot was very positive, with participants rating the overall programme as excellent and that they would recommend it to future participants. The programme was also considered relevant to participants’ career stage, and the quality of speakers and facilitators received particularly strong ratings.
Participants also reported a positive effect on their confidence in their potential as future leaders and a stronger understanding of leadership.
There are also encouraging early signs of wider impact. Outcomes at the end of year included successful fellowship and grant applications, committee and board appointments as well as journal editorial roles. Further follow-up is planned to understand its contribution to longer term outcomes.
Building on a successful pilot
Building on the success of the pilot, the second year of the programme is now underway retaining this small-group, reflective approach while broadening the range of leadership perspectives represented.
Dr De Giorgi said: “I thoroughly enjoyed co-organising and attending the NGLP, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to making it such a success. I had the opportunity to listen to and engage with some truly inspiring talks and sharing that experience with close peers made it an invaluable opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and grow together.”
Dr Blackman said: “The first year provides a strong foundation for the programme’s continued development and its role in supporting, connecting and developing the next generation of medical academic leaders in Oxford. It’s been wonderful to see the programme’s impact, and I’m grateful to everyone who has contributed to its success.”
