Leadership hub: The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer's Pharmacy leaders development programme

The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer's Pharmacy leaders development programme is for experienced pharmacists who aspire to lead large and complex NHS departments, services, teams or systems of care to benefit patients and local communities. It aims to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours to help experienced pharmacy professionals become outstanding, compassionate and inclusive leaders, and improve the performance of the teams and the people who work with them to deliver improved outcomes for patients and the public.

This programme aims to create a cadre of senior pharmacy professionals ready for challenging senior leadership roles and to develop networks to sustain their professional leadership practice. A key objective is to make a positive contribution to improving the diversity of those in senior pharmacy professional leadership positions in the NHS.

It offers a comprehensive mix of residential workshops, optional online specialist study days, and small group support to build capability, confidence and networks across the wider system.

This programme is developed by CPPE in collaboration with senior leaders. In 2026, two places will be available for pharmacists working in Norther Ireland.

NICPLD will hold an information webinar on 18 December 2025 at 7pm to explain more about the programme and the application process for pharmacists in NI.

NHS England and CPPE will also hold a webinar to explain more about the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Pharmacy leaders development programme and the application process for Cohort 11 on Thursday 18th December 1 - 2pm. Pharmacists in NI are welcome to attend this webinar and can Register now to attend the webinar where you will hear from programme alumni and have the opportunity to ask questions.

You can watch a recording of the webinar for cohort 10 (now closed) here.

Cohort 11 is now open for booking.