Aspirant Middle Manager Programme (AMMP)

Cohort 5 of the Aspirant Middle Manager Programme (AMMP) for aspiring managers in social care

Course Overview

ADSS Cymru and Social Care Wales, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Care (IPC) at Oxford Brookes University, proudly present Cohort 5 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 4 colleagues highlights the programme’s impact on career development and confidence building:

“I found the programme an excellent balance of different learning opportunities which were inspirational and reassuring all at the same time.”

“Through various programme activities and mentoring discussions, I have been able to assess not only my strengths but also areas for growth, which has been both enlightening and motivating.”

“I have moved into a middle management role during the course.  I found the networking with colleagues on the programme really beneficial, the course content helpful for learning and reflection and the sessions valuable for making me realise that I am ready to be a middle manager.”

Booking and Cost

The programme fee is £1,200 per person.

Cohort 5 will take place from September 2026 to May 2027. 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 Friday 12th June 2026.

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 15th October, 2026
    • Thursday 10th December 2026
    • Thursday 11th February 2027
    • Thursday 15th April 2027
  • 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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