ENGAGE Clinical Leadership and Improvement Programme

“Empowering future leaders in health and social care across Northern Ireland”

What is ENGAGE Clinical Leadership & Improvement Programme?

The ENGAGE Clinical Leadership & Improvement Programme is designed to challenge, develop, and empower doctors and dentists based in Northern Ireland to become effective leaders within their organisations and across the wider Health and Social Care system.

Launched in 2018 in partnership with the HSC Leadership Centre, the programme equips participants with the skills and confidence to influence change, shape services, and drive improvements in the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care.

“Effective leadership creates successful teams, and successful teams drive better outcomes” Leadership for a collaborative and inclusive future, Sir Gordon Messenger 2022

What to Expect from the Programme

Participants will complete or continue a Leadership and Improvement Project as part of their specialty curriculum. This may be a project already in progress or one that needs to be initiated.

Rather than being viewed as additional work, the programme is designed to support and accelerate the completion of this project, acting as a catalyst for meaningful improvement.

All projects will be showcased at an end-of-year event, with opportunities to compete for oral presentation prizes.

Participation is fully funded by NIMDTA, with no cost to the applicant.

Eligibility Criteria

The Programme is open to:

• Final-year Resident Doctors and Dentists in General Practice, Dental, and Hospital Specialty who wish to volunteer their time to the Programme.
• Resident doctors and dentists with 6 to 18 months of training remaining before obtaining their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) as of the first module on Monday 18th September 2025.
• Resident doctors and dentists who are eager to lead change, improve services, and enhance their leadership capability

Programme Structure and Delivery

The Programme is delivered across seven modules from September 2025 to May 2026. It begins with an in-person launch module, followed by six interactive online sessions held on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm.

These modules are delivered by experienced consultants from the HSC Leadership Centre, with valuable contributions from senior clinical leaders and improvers across the HSC, as well as external experts who bring fresh perspectives and insights.

Please click here to explore the full details of the ENGAGE Clinical Leadership and Improvement Programme, including:  

☑️ An Introduction to the Programme

☑️ Programme Aims

☑️ Learning Outcomes

☑️ Key Principles

☑️ Module Structure

☑️ Module Dates and Times

Participation Requirements and Expectations

Before submitting an application,  please carefully review the programme schedule above, as attendance is essential to benefit from and successfully complete the Programme.

Your commitment to attending all modules and actively participating is vital—not only for your own development, but also for the collaborative learning experience of the group.

A maximum of 50 places are available, allocated to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis.

This programme is highly popular, so we strongly encourage early applications to avoid disappointment.

How to Apply

If you are interested in participating in the 2025/26 programme, please click on the link below to complete an application. 

📅 Applications must be submitted by 11.59pm on Monday 8th September 2025 to ValuedTrainees@hscni.net

ENGAGE Clinical Leadership and Improvement Programme Application 2025/2026

Celebrating Excellence: Past Winners & Highlights

2025 Winner – Dr Gary Hagan (Emergency Medicine) – Read More

2024 Winner – Dr Susan Lenfesty (Emergency Medicine) – Read More

2023 Winner – Dr Eimear Wright (Respiratory Medicine) – Read More

2022 Winner – Dr Aideen Callaghan (Anaesthetics) – Read More

2021 Winner – Mr Damien McGrogan (General Surgery) – Read More

2020 Winner – Dr Ciara Mitchell (Anaesthetics) – Read More

2019 Winner – Dr James Reid (Anaesthetics) – Read More

2018 Winner – Dr Naomi Murphy (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) – Read More

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For further information about the ENGAGE Clinical Leadership and Improvement programme, please contact ValuedTrainees@hscni.net