RDM People-Centred Management Programme

Who is the programme for?

RDM, in collaboration with the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS) is pleased to offer colleagues the opportunity to take part in a People Centred Management Programme.

The Programme is for new and existing managers who are supervising staff and students in RDM and NDS.

Programme details

Management training was highlighted as a priority in the latest Staff Survey.

The programme has been designed for RDM and NDS by Aspire Leadership. It offers a structured curriculum covering a range of topics tailored to the needs and challenges you face as a manager. Through a series of interactive sessions, workshops, and coaching sessions, the course will cover:

• Management Fundamentals: Master the essentials of inclusive management, from clarifying your role to building confidence in feedback and difficult conversations.
• Managing Difference: Learn to embrace and leverage diversity by understanding different styles, motivations, and how to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches.
• Managing the Environment: Step back from daily firefighting to think strategically about creating sustainable, resilient working environments where your people can thrive.

The programme will start on Thursday 22nd January 2026 and will consist of workshops and coaching sessions over 2026 (download the People Management Programme, dates and locations).

RDM places are limited to 8 people, along with another 8 from NDS, so you will be working in a cohort of 16.

Selection criteria

Demand may exceed available places, so participants may have to be selected on the basis of their application, according to the criteria below.

Applicants should:

1. have a minimum of three months management experience (such as supervision of research assistants or students; line-management of colleagues; or leadership responsibilities outside the work environment), this may be in a formal, or in some cases, an informal capacity
2. be coming towards the end of a first post-doc or doing a second post-doc (if academic) or looking to develop as a team leader (likely to be grades 6-8+ if professional support staff)
3. commit to attending all the sessions in the programme
4. be considering what they want to step into next in their career
5. not have attended similar workshops/leadership courses in the past.
6. have spoken to their Line Manager who will support their application to the programme.

Participation should not only benefit the individual personally, but also contribute to a more inclusive and diverse environment within the Department.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 programme will open on 1st October 2025. 

APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED

Fill out the application form.

You must have spoken to your Line Manager before you apply.

You must be available for all the dates.

• Thursday 22nd January 10.00-12.00 (online)
• Thursday 26th February 09.30-17.00 (in-person)
• Thursday 26th March 09.30-17.00 (in-person)
• Thursday 23rd April 09.30-17.00 (in-person)
• Thursday 25th June 10.00-12.00 (online)

In the application form you will be asked to summarise the three main reasons why you want to apply for the course, and also to briefly (250 words or less) explain how this course will help you develop relevant professional and personal goals. You may wish to think about these questions before completing the form.

If you would like to learn more about the programme before applying, please contact Charlotte Smith for more information.