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NIMDTA

 

 

 

 

 

 

'ADEPT' Clinical Leadership Fellow Programme 

Welcome to the ADEPT Clinical Leadership Fellow Programme.

The ADEPT (Achieve | Develop | Explore) Programme, delivered by NIMDTA in partnership with leading organisations across Northern Ireland, offers senior trainees an exceptional opportunity to enhance organisational leadership skills through a structured, one-year clinical leadership fellowship.

 

About ADEPT

Launched in 2015–16, ADEPT empowers senior medical and dental trainees to step out of core training for one year and work alongside senior leaders in an apprenticeship model.

Fellows gain first-hand experience in leading impactful projects, while being supported through mentoring, coaching, and formal leadership training.

Host organisations include:

Health & Social Care Trusts

  • Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
  • Northern Health and Social Care Trust
  • South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
  • Southern Health and Social Care Trust
  • Western Health and Social Care Trust

Government & Leadership Bodies

  • Department of Health, Northern Ireland
  • Health & Social Care Board
  • Health & Social Care Leadership Centre
  • Health & Social Care Safety Forum

Regulatory & Training Organisations

  • General Medical Council
  • Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA)
  • Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA)

Academic Partners

  • Queen’s University Belfast
  • Ulster University

Innovation & Digital Health

  • Health & Social Care Encompass

Who can Apply (2026/27)

Open to NI-based trainees with sufficient remaining training time by August 2026:

Training Route Required Specialty Minimum Remaining WTE Time
Medical ST4 or Higher 6 - 12 months
GP GP Training Programme 6 - 18 months
Dental PostGraduate Dental 6 - 18 months

 

Programme Aims & What you will do

During your fellowship year, you will:

  • Execute one or more supervised, high-impact projects
  • Join formal leadership development sessions, including mentoring and coaching
  • Build a professional network across healthcare sectors
  • Learn through an apprenticeship model with senior leaders
  • Understand strategic leadership, reflective practices, team dynamics, and negotiation skills to support future roles in HSC leadership

Timeline & Application Details

Leadership Fellows will be appointed through a competitive process involving submission of an application form, attendance at interview and delivery of a presentation.

Support from your Head or Deputy Head of School or Training Programme Director is essential.

  • Applications Open: Tuesday 13th January 2026
  • Deadline: Monday 16th February 2026, 4 pm
  • Interview Date: Friday 27th March 2026
  • Fellowship Begins: Wednesday 5th August 2026 (with induction)

Application Components

Applicants must submit the following two documents to apply:

 

Typed signatures are acceptable, but all forms must be submitted from your personal email.

Please ensure to send your completed application form to valuedtrainees@hscni.net before the deadline date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

Resources & Support

Personal Specification

Advice to Applicants & FAQs

Project Information Pack 

 

For further information please contact: valuedtrainees@hscni.net

Why Apply?

✅ Gain a deep understanding of how the HSC system works, empowering you to lead more effectively and collaborate confidently with other leaders and managers.

✅ Complete a qualification in medical leadership (ILM Level 7 Certificate in Leadership)

✅ Explore the strategic vision for health and social care in Northern Ireland, including the key drivers shaping policy and service delivery.

✅ Develop your leadership and management style, learning when and how to apply different approaches to suit diverse teams and situations.

✅ Bridge the gap between clinical practice and service management, ensuring high-quality care is delivered through strong operational leadership.

✅ Think differently through reflective practice, enhancing your ability to learn from experience and drive continuous improvement.

✅ Lead and manage projects with confidence, using proven tools and techniques to deliver results.

✅ Empower others through effective management, fostering a culture of support, accountability, and growth.

✅ Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, working with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver integrated care.

✅ Build a strong professional network, connecting with senior colleagues who share similar challenges and ambitions.

✅ Sharpen influencing and negotiation skills, equipping you to lead change and advocate for better outcomes.

Whether you're looking to step into a leadership role or enhance your current capabilities, this programme offers the insight, tools, and connections to help you thrive.

What Our Fellows Say...

Watch the videos below or view the list of booklets for further information: