Middle Manager Development Programme

Course Overview

The Middle Manager Development Programme is a national leadership development course commissioned by Social Care Wales and delivered by the Institute of Public Care (IPC) at Oxford Brookes University. This comprehensive 18-month programme is designed for middle managers in social care settings across Wales, such as Service Managers, Principal Officers, or Heads of Service. Participants must have responsibilities that extend beyond managing a single team, encompassing a diverse portfolio of duties and a role in the strategic development of their organisation, often involving collaboration with other agencies.

The programme aims to enhance strategic and operational leadership skills, enabling participants to lead effectively within their organisations and collaborate across local partnerships. Developed in alignment with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, the course addresses the evolving demands of social care, preparing managers to implement transformational change and improve service delivery. Through a mix of theoretical learning and practical application, supported by coaching and academic advising, participants will develop the skills and tools needed to drive positive outcomes in their roles.

Booking and Cost

To apply for the Middle Manager Development Programme, please contact the IPC Course Administrator at ipc_courses@brookes.ac.uk or call 01865 951902 for more information.

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

Course Content and Format

The Middle Manager Development Programme includes facilitated small group sessions, individual support and coaching, action learning sets and assessed assignments as well as self-study. It is studied over an 18-month period and consists of three compulsory modules:

Developing as a Leader

  • The role and characteristics of leadership in social care
  • How to influence others and collaborate effectively across boundaries
  • Understanding the impact of your local and national political context on your role

Shaping Social Care

  • Shaping the market to deliver transformed services for our citizens
  • What matters in effective joint working between health and social care as a way of delivering better outcomes
  • Engaging positively with our local communities

Delivering Better Outcomes

  • Leading and supporting development and change
  • Implementing cultural change in a transforming environment
  • Enhancing and managing performance within teams, across organisational boundaries, and with a range of stakeholders

Accreditation

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic and Operational Leadership in Social Care, equivalent to 60 CATS credits at the postgraduate level. This certification supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and recognises the advanced skills and knowledge gained through the course. The accreditation process includes assessments for each module, with assignments tailored to the participant’s work setting and designed to reflect their learning and professional growth.

Get in Touch

To learn more about the Middle Manager Development Programme and the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic and Operational Leadership in Social Care, or to book your place, please contact the Programme Administration office.

Sasha Carter,
Programme Administrator

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