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    LEAD Is Back — But What Makes the 2026 Cohort Special?

    Published 6th March 

    A New Chapter for Leadership in Bury's Care Sector

    There is something powerful about a room full of care leaders who are ready to invest in themselves. That was exactly the scene at Outreach Community in Radcliffe this month, as Bury Care Academy welcomed a brand new cohort of care managers and supervisors to the LEAD Leadership & Development Programme.

    Following the success of the first LEAD cohort, which completed at the end of 2025, this second group of participants arrived energised and ready to begin their five-session journey, one that promises to be just as transformational as the last.

    Participants on the LEAD Programme working together writing on a task, one member of the group writes answers on a sheet of paper

    What Is the LEAD Programme and Who Is It For?

    LEAD, which stands for Leadership and Development, is Bury Care Academy's structured, five-session programme designed specifically for managers and supervisors working in the adult social care sector in Bury. Whether you are an experienced leader looking to sharpen your skills or someone who has recently stepped into a leadership role and wants to feel more confident and equipped, LEAD is built with you in mind.

    The programme is delivered in partnership with Connected Consultants Ltd and is hosted at Outreach Community in Radcliffe, a welcoming and purpose-built environment that allows participants to step away from the pressures of day-to-day work and focus on their own development.

    Importantly, LEAD is available free of charge to care providers commissioned by Bury Council, making it a genuinely accessible opportunity for organisations of all sizes across the borough.

    What Happened on Day 1 of the 2026 Cohort?

    Day 1 set the tone for everything that follows. Led once again by Bethany Darbyshire of Connected Consultants Ltd, the opening session brought participants together for the first time, not just as learners, but as peers. One of the most distinctive features of LEAD is the emphasis placed on building genuine relationships between participants, recognising that some of the most valuable development comes from connecting with others who share similar challenges and experiences.

    The first session was designed to establish a strong foundation: creating a safe space for honest conversation, setting expectations for the weeks ahead, and helping participants begin to reflect on their own leadership identity. Rather than diving straight into theory, Bethany took time to understand the group, who they are, what they are already doing well, and what they want to achieve by the end of the programme.

    It was a session full of energy, laughter, and the kind of candid discussion that only happens when people feel genuinely comfortable with one another. By the end of the morning, the group had already begun to form the connections that will support them throughout the programme and beyond.

    Session Highlights

    Check out how this latest group of leaders got on... 

    lead programme participants working on a task together, the girl stood in the middle points towards the table while the other two participants look and smile Group tasks to kick the day off! Over the shoulder shot showing a participant of the LEAD programme smiling and lifting a bingo sheet to the presenter Bingo anyone? Members of the LEAD Programme stood up looking at pieces of paper, working on a group task together Team building starts here Long shot of LEAD Trainer smiling and speaking to a participant while the rest of the participants look on LEAD Trainer Bethany getting to know our latest cohort Two members of the LEAD Programme stood discussing answers to a group task Our leaders learning about the different types of leaderships styles Participant of the LEAD Programme writing answers on a board while the rest of the group watch. What do I love about my current leadership role?

    How Does the 2026 Programme Build on What Came Before?

    The first LEAD cohort, which ran at the end of 2025, gave us a tremendous amount of insight into what works and what care leaders in Bury really need from a programme like this. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as genuinely career-changing, not because of what they learned in a theoretical sense, but because of how the programme challenged them to see themselves and their leadership differently.

    With a new group of participants, the 2026 cohort brings fresh perspectives and different experiences to the room. While the core structure and learning outcomes remain consistent, each cohort inevitably shapes the programme in its own way, the conversations that emerge, the challenges that participants bring, and the insights that develop organically between sessions all contribute to a unique experience.

    What remains constant is the commitment to quality. Bethany Darbyshire returns as lead trainer, bringing her deep expertise in leadership development and her ability to create genuinely impactful learning experiences for care sector professionals.

    What Happens Next?

    With Day 1 complete, participants now have four further sessions ahead of them over the coming weeks. Each session will build on the last, taking the group deeper into the themes that matter most for effective care leadership. Participants will continue to develop self-awareness, explore their leadership styles, and leave every session with something concrete to take back to their teams.

    We will be sharing updates from the programme as each session takes place, so follow along to see how the group progresses. If you are a care provider commissioned by Bury Council and you are interested in future cohorts of LEAD, we would love to hear from you.

    Find Out More

    If you are a care provider commissioned by Bury Council and would like to find out how Bury Care Academy can support your managers and supervisors, get in touch with us today. Our support is completely free, and we would love to talk about how we can help your team.

    Contact us at burycareacademy.org/contact-us

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who can take part in the LEAD Programme? LEAD is open to care managers and supervisors working for care providers that are commissioned by Bury Council. This includes both experienced leaders who want to develop further and those who are newer to a leadership role and looking to build confidence and skills.

    How much does the LEAD Programme cost? The LEAD Programme is completely free for eligible participants. Bury Care Academy is funded by Bury Council to provide workforce development support to care providers across the borough, which means there is no cost to you or your organisation.

    How many sessions does the programme involve? LEAD consists of five immersive sessions delivered over several weeks. Each session is designed to build on the previous one, creating a progressive and connected learning experience rather than a series of standalone training days.

    Where is the programme delivered? The current cohort is being delivered at Outreach Community in Radcliffe. The venue offers a comfortable, purpose-built environment that is well suited to the collaborative and reflective learning style of the programme.

    Who delivers the training? The programme is led by Bethany Darbyshire from Connected Consultants Ltd, who has extensive experience in leadership and organisational development. Bethany also delivered the first LEAD cohort at the end of 2025, and participant feedback has consistently highlighted her expertise and her ability to create a genuinely engaging learning environment.

    What will participants gain from the programme? Participants will develop practical leadership skills, increase their self-awareness as leaders, explore their own leadership style, and build meaningful connections with peers from across the Bury care sector. Each session is designed to give participants something they can take back to their team and apply straight away.

    Will there be further cohorts of LEAD in the future? Yes. Bury Care Academy is committed to continuing the LEAD Programme and supporting care leaders across the borough. If you are interested in future cohorts, please get in touch with us and we will make sure you are kept informed when the next programme is announced.

    How do I find out more or register my interest? You can contact Bury Care Academy directly through the website at burycareacademy.org/contact-us, by emailing burycareacademy@bury.gov.uk, or by calling 0161 253 6898. We would be happy to discuss how LEAD and our wider range of services could support your organisation.