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    LEAD Programmes first cohort of 2026 Graduate - But What Did Burys Senior Care Staff Learn?

    Published 8th April 

    What is the LEAD Programme?

    The LEAD Programme has been designed to provide a holistic understanding of leadership and management. Delivered by Bury Care Academy in partnership with Connected Consultants, the programme supports the development of the Adult Social Care workforce in Bury.

    Following the success of our previous LEAD Programme that began in December of last year, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, so much so that we knew we had to run another programme as soon as possible. 

    Our most recent programme was delivered at Outreach Community & Residential in Radcliffe, where participants took part in practical, real‑world leadership development. Through hands-on learning experiences, attendees gained skills and insights they can immediately apply within their own workplace settings.

    Participants of the Bury Care Academy Leadership and Development Programme pictured smiling holding up their certificates

    What Did Participants Learn Across the Five Weeks?

    The LEAD programme, based on the respected Kouzes & Posner leadership model, took participants through five comprehensive sessions, each building on the previous week's learning:

    Week 1: Model the Way Leaders explored the distinction between leadership and management, examined their own leadership behaviours, and increased self-awareness through Wilson's Quadrant. The powerful question "what is it like to be on the receiving end of me?" set the tone for honest self-reflection throughout the programme.

    Week 2: Inspire a Shared Vision Participants learned how to create and communicate compelling visions that motivate teams and align everyone toward common goals – essential skills for care leaders working in complex, people-focused environments.

    Week 3: Challenge the Process This session equipped leaders with tools to innovate, take calculated risks, and continuously improve their services, moving beyond "we've always done it this way" thinking to embrace positive change.

    Week 4: Enable Others to Act Leaders focused on fostering collaboration, building trust, and empowering team members to take ownership and initiative – critical skills for creating engaged, high-performing care teams.

    Week 5: Encourage the Heart The final session explored how to recognize contributions, celebrate achievements, and create a culture where people feel valued and motivated. Leaders learned practical strategies for showing appreciation and building team morale.

    What Did Our Participants Take Away From The Programme?

    'I think all the different learning styles have been smashing! I've really enjoyed all the different tasks; the one where we built the bridge and the towers out of pasta stood out in particular. It gave me a sense of achievement and camaraderie. All the things I'd like to take back to my team.'

    Session Highlights

    See all the action from the final session

    Head trainer on the lead programme gestures to the board while participants look on the. The board shows a graph with pressure performance curve written at the top. The Pressure Performance Curve Lead programme participants discuss tasks Networking and workforce development all in one package Image shows a knitted figure sitting on the table with a participant on the lead programme blurred out in the background Shout out to Shirley who had knitted little figures for the whole group! Lead trainer on the LEAD Programme gestures to the group who are all stood in a circle Interactive, hands on, practical learning exercises Image shows participant on the LEAD Programme smiling getting their certificate. Lead trainer on the programme in pictured smiling while presenting the certificate on one knee. High energy at the award ceremony! Image shows a group of participants discussing a task. Leaders across the care sector, learning from each other Image shows participant on the programme writing down in a textbook Honest reflections and skill development Members of the LEAD programme photographed completing a spaghetti tower Leadership development via spaghetti towers Image shows participant on the programme writing down in a textbook Honest reflections and skill development

    What Impact Will This LEAD Cohort Have on Bury's Adult Social Care Workforce?

    The graduation of this second LEAD cohort marks another meaningful step forward for workforce development across Bury's adult social care sector. While the programme spans just five weeks, its effects are designed to ripple far beyond the training room.

    Each participant returns to their organisation carrying not just new knowledge, but a renewed sense of confidence and purpose in their leadership role. For the care workers they manage, that means more supportive supervision, clearer communication, and teams that feel genuinely valued, all of which contribute to better outcomes for the people receiving care.

    There is also something powerful about what happens between participants. Across five weeks at Outreach Community & Residential in Radcliffe, leaders from different care settings built real relationships with one another. Those connections create an informal support network across the borough, a group of senior care professionals who understand each other's pressures because they are living them too.

    At a time when the adult social care workforce faces significant challenges around recruitment, retention, and wellbeing, investing in strong, skilled, and compassionate leaders is one of the most impactful things we can do. This cohort is proof that when you give care staff the space and tools to grow, they absolutely rise to it.

    How Can Your Organisation Sign Up for the Next LEAD Programme?

    If you are a manager, supervisor, or senior support worker working in adult social care in Bury and you would like to develop your leadership skills, we would love to hear from you.

    The LEAD Programme is open to individuals working across a range of care settings, including residential care, supported living, and community care. No formal leadership qualifications are needed, just a commitment to your own development and to the people in your team.

    Spaces on each cohort are limited to ensure an intimate, high-quality learning experience, so we encourage you to register your interest as early as possible. To find out when the next programme is running and to secure your place, get in touch with Bury Care Academy directly via our contact page.

    Whether you are brand new to leadership or looking to sharpen skills you have already been developing, the LEAD Programme offers a practical, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable way to grow.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the LEAD Programme

    What does LEAD stand for? LEAD is a leadership and management development programme delivered by Bury Care Academy in partnership with Connected Consultants. While not a formal acronym, the name reflects the programme's core purpose: developing confident, capable leaders within Bury's adult social care sector.

    Who is the LEAD Programme designed for? The programme is designed for managers, supervisors, and senior support workers currently working in health and adult social care in Bury. It is ideal for those who are new to a leadership role as well as those who have been leading teams for some time and want to refresh or deepen their skills.

    How long does the LEAD Programme run? The programme runs over five consecutive weeks, with one full-day session per week. Each session builds on the learning from the previous week, so attendance at all five sessions is expected to get the full benefit.

    What leadership model does the programme use? The LEAD Programme is built around the Kouzes & Posner Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership — a widely respected and evidence-based framework used by organisations around the world. The five practices are: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart.

    Is the LEAD Programme accredited or certificated? Participants who complete all five sessions receive a certificate of completion from Bury Care Academy. If you have a specific question about accreditation or how this programme might support your continuing professional development, please contact us directly.

    Where does the programme take place? Previous cohorts have been delivered at different venues across Bury. The most recent cohort took place at Outreach Community & Residential in Radcliffe. Venue details for upcoming cohorts will be confirmed upon registration.

    Is there a cost to attend the LEAD Programme? The LEAD Programme is delivered as part of Bury Care Academy's wider commitment to workforce development in the borough. To find out about any costs or eligibility criteria, please contact Bury Care Academy directly.

    How do I find out about future LEAD Programme dates? The best way to stay informed about upcoming cohorts is to get in touch with Bury Care Academy via the contact page or to follow our news section for announcements.