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OD Practitioner National Programme

The Organisational Development (OD) Practitioner National Development Programme is a practical learning journey designed to help you grow your confidence, develop your skills, and strengthen your impact.

Whether you’re just getting started or stepping up, this programme will support you to take the next step in your OD career and make a lasting difference.

It has been created in response to feedback from more than 600 NHS OD and HR professionals, who told us what they need to feel more confident, capable, and supported in their roles.

Submit an expression of interest

 

About the programme

This programme is a blended learning experience comprising three full days of face-to-face learning in central London, two online workshops, and five drop-in clinics.

Delivered by experienced NHS OD practitioners, this programme blends theory with practical application.

The content has been directly shaped by survey feedback from more than 600 NHS staff, meaning the topics, structure and style reflect the real challenges and development needs of those working in OD today.

Who the programme is for

This programme has been designed for OD and HR staff who are working in bands 5-7, though we would welcome anyone who is:

  • Looking to build confidence in OD tools, theory and practice
  • Ready to take the next step in their career or into a more senior OD role
  • Keen to connect with others at a similar stage and build a professional network
  • An operational manager or change professional who wants to use OD approaches as part of their work
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Learning objectives

Describing

Describe the foundations and purpose of OD in the NHS context.

Explaining

Explain theories of change, leadership, values and facilitation.

Applying

Apply relevant tools and frameworks to their day-to-day work.

Evaluating

Evaluate their own leadership style and influence as a practitioner.

Demonstrating

Demonstrate confidence in designing and delivering OD interventions.

Reflecting

Reflect on their own growth, role and development areas.

Developing

Develop strong relationships and trust with a range of stakeholders.

Communicating

Communicate ideas with impact through storytelling and presentation.

How the programme works

The programme combines in-person learning, virtual support, and individual mentoring, including:

  • 3 x full-day, face-to-face workshops in London
  • 2 x half-day online workshops via MS Team
  • 5 x one-hour online drop-in clinics for additional support and reflection
  • Peer support and professional networking throughout

We encourage participants to plan their availability in advance to ensure they are able to attend all sessions and gain the full benefit of the programme.

The programme has been designed as a complete learning experience across all ten sessions, so missed sessions cannot be made up in future cohorts.

Sessions

1. Mapping the Field

Thursday, 24th November 2026
10am-4pm
Central London venue

We’ll explore what OD really means, where it came from, and why it matters today. You’ll get to grips with key OD competencies and reflect on your personal role using the idea of ‘self as instrument’.

Follow up clinic: Tuesday, 8th December 2026 (one hour online)

2. Values and Managing Conflict

Tuesday, 12th January 2027
10am - 1pm
Online

This session focuses on personal and organisational values, and how these influence culture. You’ll learn how to navigate disagreement and support the development of constructive conflict in teams. It will include an introduction to Edgar Schein’s influential work on understanding culture to effect change.

Follow up clinic: Wednesday, 27th January 2027 (one hour online)

3. Managing Change

Thursday, 11th February 2027
10am - 4pm
Central london venue

Change is everywhere, but how do we make it stick? This day covers the history and psychology of change, balancing head and heart, and applying practical change models in real-world NHS settings.

Follow up clinic: Thursday, 25th February 2027 (one hour online)

4. Getting the Best Out of Others

Tuesday, 9th March 2027
10am - 1pm
Online 

Learn how to adapt your leadership and communication style to get the best from different people. You’ll explore working styles, agile leadership, active listening, coaching (GROW model), and the building blocks of great facilitation.

Follow up clinic: Wednesday, 14th April 2027 (one hour online)

5. Communication, Storytelling & Presentation Skills

Wednesday, 28th April 2027
10am - 4pm
Central London venue

Great OD practitioners communicate with clarity and influence. This interactive session helps you build presence, confidence, and storytelling skills to bring your messages to life and inspire change.

Follow up clinic: Tuesday, 11th May 2027 (one hour online)

Why choose this programme

This programme is built on real insights and a proven track record:

  • Created with input from over 600 NHS colleagues
  • Addresses clear development gaps – only 22% of survey respondents had a related qualification, and just 11.8% saw themselves as confident leaders
  • 100% tailored to NHS OD roles, unlike generic leadership or L&D programmes
  • Led by experienced practitioners from the NHS and beyond
  • Delivered by NHS Elect, with over 20 years' experience in high-impact development
What NHS staff told us they want:
  • 94.6% want support in managing change
  • 93.2% want to learn more about values and feedback
  • 91.7% want to improve their communication skills
  • 85.4% want to become better facilitators

Programme cost

For members:

For those working at organisations that are members of NHS Elect, the programme will cost £1,770 or 6 tokens. The use of tokens is subject to approval from your organisation’s account lead, which we can help you seek.

Find out if your organisation is a member

For non-members:

For those working at organisations that are not members of NHS Elect, the programme will cost £2,450.

Apply to join us

If you're ready to invest in your OD development:

Register your interest today

If you would like to talk to a member of our team first:

Arrange a call with our OD team

If you have any questions:

Send us an email and we’ll get back to you asap

Get to know our facilitators

Jim Timpson

Managing Director - Membership

Jim joined NHS Elect in 2004 and has since developed a strong focus on organisational development, specialising in facilitation, leadership development, and cultural change. He holds an MSc in Organisational Development from Roffey Park and is an ACAS accredited mediator. Jim brings a deep understanding of the NHS, built on earlier roles in general management, joint ventures, and service redesign. His current work includes supporting NHS teams working on issues of group effectiveness, wellbeing, conflict, fostering high trust/high accountability cultures, and navigating complex change with clarity and compassion.

Mark Leyshon

Director

Mark is an experienced organisational development practitioner with a background in commercial leadership and systems thinking. He began his career introducing kaizen practices in the automotive industry and later supported major infrastructure and utility projects, including a successful management buyout. With a master’s-level qualification in OD, Mark brings particular expertise in complexity, power dynamics, trust, and influence. He now supports NHS teams to navigate change, build effective relationships, and create more integrated, values-driven ways of working.

Eleanor Clarke

Associate Director

Eleanor is an experienced organisational development consultant, facilitator, and qualified workplace mediator and coach. With a background in change management and service improvement across public sector organisations, she has spent the last 12 years focused on OD within the NHS. Eleanor led a successful OD service in a Trust, supporting leaders and teams at every level. She’s passionate about creating values-driven, compassionate cultures and continues to support NHS organisations with inclusion, leadership, and team development.

Rajni Martin

Associate Director

Rajni is an experienced organisational development practitioner with a background in occupational psychology and psychotherapy. She has led OD work across the NHS, local government, and private sector for nearly 20 years, specialising in relational approaches to change, leadership and team development. Known for her warmth, insight and ability to create safe spaces, Rajni brings a values-led, “inside-out” approach, helping individuals, teams and organisations reflect, adapt, and grow with authenticity, purpose, and humanity.

Cancellation policy

If you find you need to cancel your place, please provide at least one month's notice prior to the first day of the programme.

In this case, we can defer your participation to a future cohort if dates are available.

If less than one month's notice is given, unfortunately you will forfeit your tokens or course fee.

We would be happy to accept a substitute delegate to ensure the place is not wasted.

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