Aspirant Middle Manager Programme (AMMP)

Course Overview

ADSS Cymru and Social Care Wales, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Care (IPC) at Oxford Brookes University, proudly present Cohort 4 of the Aspirant Middle Manager Programme (AMMP). This programme is tailored for aspiring managers in social care who are looking to bridge the gap between team management and middle management roles. The AMMP addresses the identified need for a ‘step up’ programme that prepares team managers or equivalent professionals for middle management positions, such as Service Manager, Principal Officer, Operational, Locality, or Group Manager.

The programme aims to provide participants with the opportunity to explore and evaluate their readiness for middle management responsibilities. It offers a supportive environment where participants can ‘test the waters’ of middle management, gaining valuable insights and guidance. While previous completion of the Team Manager Development Programme is not required, aspirants should have at least three years of post-qualifying experience, some management experience, and the endorsement of their employing organisation to participate.

Course Feedback

Feedback from Cohort 1 and 2 colleagues highlights the programme’s impact on career development and confidence building:

“I think the programme has really helped me to develop my thinking so that I will actively pursue middle management roles.”

“I enjoyed the mentoring sessions – with opportunities to reflect and hear the opinions of someone outside my immediate management chain.”

“Overall, the programme has helped me consider moving into middle management.”

“I think the programme has made me more open minded about applying for middle management roles if one comes up in my area.  In the meantime I think it has helped me to develop skills to be a better team manager.

Booking and Cost

The programme fee is £1,200 per person. Cohort 4 will take place from September 2025 – May 2026. There are a maximum of 18 places available. If you would like to be considered for a place, please contact your local authority’s workforce lead by Monday 16th June 2025. If you would like to have an informal conversation about what the programme entails, please reach out to us at ipc_courses@brookes.ac.uk or call 01865 951902.

Please note our Cancellation and Non-Attendance Policy applies to all bookings.

Course Content and Format

The AMMP offers a blend of virtual group sessions and individual support to prepare participants for middle management roles. This is an online, non-accredited programme. Participants will receive an attendance certificate. Sessions include:

  • Learning Objectives and Exposure: Aspirants will work with their employer and the Institute of Public Care to set learning objectives (3 hours in total) and plan how to gain more exposure to middle management experiences.
  • Development Support Sessions: The programme includes four half-day virtual sessions, each running from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm (16 hours in total), on the following dates:
    • Thursday 9th October 2025
    • Thursday 11th December 2025
    • Thursday 12th February 2026
    • Thursday 16th April 2026
  • Mentoring Sessions: Participants will receive four mentoring sessions (6 hours in total) from a senior manager in another local authority, providing guidance and insight into the responsibilities and challenges of middle management.
  • Peer Learning Network: Aspirants will have the opportunity to engage in a peer learning network during the programme and continue benefiting from this network beyond the programme’s duration.

Get in Touch

To learn more about the Aspirant Manager Development Programme, or to book your place, please contact the Programme Administration office.

Sasha Carter,
Programme Administrator

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Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Institute of Public Care:

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