Launching the Leadership Insights Programme
The Nursing Now Challenge is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of its inaugural Leadership Insights Programme. This new global learning series is designed specifically for student and early-career nurses and midwives and will launch on 25th March 2026.
“We’re thrilled to launch the Leadership Insights Programme as a space where student and early career nurses and midwives can build their leadership confidence in community with peers from across the globe. This programme is about equipping you with practical tools and evidence-informed perspectives that will support you throughout your career. Leadership isn’t something that happens later or elsewhere; it starts with you, now, in your current context. Your engagement will directly shape how the Nursing Now Challenge evolves, ensuring we create the support and opportunities that truly matter to you.”
— Professor Gemma Stacey, Programme Director, Nursing Now Challenge
The Leadership Insights Programme consists of nine sessions which will take place over the course of the year, introducing fundamental leadership concepts and practical skills in an accessible, engaging format. Whether you are just beginning your professional journey or stepping into new responsibilities, this programme will help you build confidence, strengthen your voice, and develop the capabilities needed to lead.
Sessions will last between 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes and will be delivered virtually via Zoom, enabling global participation.
Programme Overview
The nine sessions are intentionally sequenced to build leadership confidence and capability step-by-step:
Foundation (Sessions 1–2)
Building self-awareness and strengthening communication skills as the foundation of effective leadership.
Action (Sessions 3–4)
Applying leadership within teams and initiating change in your own context.
Sustainability & Impact (Sessions 5–6)
Flourishing as a leader, maintaining resilience, and amplifying your voice through advocacy.
Context & Systems (Sessions 7–8)
Exploring gender dynamics and understanding the broader health systems that shape leadership opportunities and challenges.
Integration (Session 9)
Reflecting on your learning and planning your ongoing leadership journey.
The first session of the Leadership Insights Programme will take place on 25th March at 2pm GMT.
SESSION 1: LEADING FROM WHERE YOU ARE – The Future is NOW!
Foundations of Self-Leadership and the Added Value of Your Unique Leadership Perspective as an Early Career Leader
Facilitator: Professor Stacy Johnson MBE, Professor of Critical Inclusive Leadership, Course Director: MSc Quality and Patient Safety Improvement, Entrepreneur in Residence: Nottingham University Business School, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham
Session Objectives:
- Understand that leadership begins with self-awareness, not position or title
- Explore personal values, strengths, and areas for development
- Identify opportunities to lead in current roles
- Recognise the unique perspective and value that early-career nurses and midwives bring to leadership.
Register your place here!
This introductory series is designed not only to build knowledge, but to identify areas of interest within the Nursing Now Challenge community. Pre- and post-session surveys, alongside engagement insights, will inform the development of future work, ensuring that your voice shapes what comes next in the evolution of the Nursing Now Challenge.
We are excited to bring together expert facilitators and our vibrant global community for this new initiative. We encourage all eligible Nursing Now Challenge members to seize this opportunity and take the next step in their leadership journey.
Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
