WORDS from our chair Leadership in a Time of Transformation
FESTIVAL OF LEADERSHIP 2025 Shaping the Future of NHS Leadership in the North West
As leaders across the NHS North West, we are navigating a period of profound transition. Silas Nicholls, Chief Executive - Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Professor of Leadership and Healthcare Management - Institute of Medicine, University of Greater Manchestery
The NHS North West Leadership Academy is proud to announce the return of the Festival of Leadership on Tuesday 7 October 2025, at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington. This flagship event is a vital moment to bring together the region’s executive leaders and aspiring directors from across the NHS, local government, social care, and community organisations at a time of significant change. As we prepare for the introduction of new NHS management and leadership standards and regulations, this year’s Festival of Leadership offers senior NHS executives, board members, and aspiring directors the space to: Prepare for upcoming NHS leadership standards and regulatory changes. Connect with peers from across all North West health and care systems. Unlock the full benefits of your NHS NWLA membership (programmes, resources, and networks). Discover and celebrate leadership best practices and innovations from around the region. Learn how strong culture and compassionate leadership drive staff well-being and performance in the NHS.
an opportunity to create real and lasting change in our region to the immense benefit of our communities, harnessing the support organisations like the NHS North West Leadership Academy provide to the region. Let’s also draw energy from local success. Several providers in the region, have seen improved staff survey score, and whilst NHS sickness and absences across the north west region are still a concern, inroads are being made to improving staff experience and cultural transformation. As we each navigate this new chapter, may we do so together, with vision, collaboration, and compassion.
With significant cuts to Integrated Care Boards and NHS England, and the announcement of its merger with the Department of Health and Social Care, many of us are operating in a climate of uncertainty and increased challenge. Our remit, our roles, and even the structures we lead are shifting, sometimes faster than we can fully process. But in the middle of this disruption, our duty to patients and colleagues remains vital. Now more than ever, the North West needs steady, courageous, and compassionate leadership. The Health Secretary’s three major shifts, toward community-based care, digital innovation, and prevention, offer us a strategic horizon. They’re not just policy ambitions; they are invitations for local leadership to create real, inclusive place- based solutions. We should view this as
Key features of the festival include:
• Facilitated networking, designed to forge new connections and foster productive partnerships among attendees. • A panel featuring senior North West leaders and representatives from national bodies. They will explore the future of NHS leadership in our region, discussing
We are extending invitations to board and executive representatives from NHS and public sector organisations across the North West. Organisations are also encouraged to nominate their aspiring director-level talent to attend this pivotal event. Expressions of interest and nominations should be sent to: nwla.execleadership@nhs.net
emerging trends, new regulatory expectations, and management and leadership standards. Gain strategic insights on adapting to change and strengthening leadership across integrated systems.
• A keynote session from Tim Keogh, co-founder of A Kind Life and host of the “Kinder Conversations” podcast. Tim is renowned for his work in creating kinder, more successful workplaces and will share insights on cultivating compassionate leadership cultures.
nw.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk | Leader
Leader | nw.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk
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