Delivering the future: An evaluation of a multidisciplinary clinical leadership programme

Abstract

The Delivering the Future (DtF) leadership programme was established in 2005 to strengthen senior clinical leadership capacity and capability across NHS Scotland. This article reports on an evaluation of the programme to determine the extent to which the programme outcomes had been achieved. Sixty-seven (57%) programme participants responded to a questionnaire survey about their experience, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (n=8) and senior leaders (n=7) at NHS Board level. The programme was highly regarded by participants and strategic level leads. The majority of DtF participants had been promoted or taken on expanded roles since completing the programme, taking on greater leadership responsibility. The programme was seen to be a significant influence on accelerating the progression of individuals to these roles, and in developing skills to perform at a senior leadership level. The significant investment in the programme was thought to be worthwhile in terms of wider benefits, albeit with a need to make better collective use of the alumni at a national level.