Introduction The North West Leadership Schools (NWLS) are an initiative of NHS England North West (NHS England NW). Each year we run a series of free, virtual evening events to inspire and develop leadership skills in medical and dental trainees of all specialties and grades across the North West region. Current medical and dental trainees are the healthcare leaders of now and the future- playing a vitally important role in improving patient care. Three regional sub-committees comprise the NWLS: Cheshire and Merseyside, Cumbria and Lancashire, and Greater Manchester. Each sub-committee is responsible for organising two virtual evening events throughout the year, in addition to all three collaborating on the annual NWLS conference. The work of the NWLS is facilitated by NHS England NW Faculty Development and is supported by an Associate Dean.

Aims and objectives of the research project or activity The NWLS deliver a programme of leadership-themed events throughout the year which aims to develop skills and inspire interest in leadership amongst medical and dental trainees of all grades and specialties throughout the North West region. At a minimum this helps to meet curriculum leadership requirements, however, has the potential to foster greater outcomes secondary to inspiring talks from current leaders and the dissemination of invaluable information regarding current leadership opportunities and skills development. Committee members assume a leadership role, where they develop their leadership skills and team-working ability through collaboration with each other- and with non-clinical professionals in NHS England NW- in event curation and delivery.

Method or approach Six free, virtual evening events are hosted throughout the year. Each event addresses medical leadership from a different perspective. Each sub-committee takes the lead on two events, with a coordinated timetable devised at the beginning of the academic year to ensure a well-balanced programme. Speakers have included healthcare and non-healthcare professionals.

The sub-committees collaborate to deliver an in-person regional conference. In 2023, the conference was entitled ‘Leading Sustainable Change’ and was held in central Manchester. It was attended by medical and dental trainees from across the region and addressed both leadership and sustainability.

A course certificate is awarded to those who attend a minimum of four events throughout the year.

Feedback is collected for each event, which informs future planning.

Administrative improvements from 2022–2023 included re-branding of the NWLS and a formal in-person induction for committee members to facilitate working relationship building and collective planning for the year ahead.

Findings The virtual evening events addressed medical leadership from different vantage points. Themes included leadership journeys, well-being, leadership opportunities in training, workplace culture, and leadership skills development. Feedback surveys were sent to all delegates following each event. Across all six events, 100% of respondents stated that they would recommend NWLS events to a colleague. A range of 97–100% of respondents per event stated that the event fulfilled their leadership requirements.

The 2023 NWLS conference was entitled ‘Leading Sustainable Change’ and focused on both leadership and sustainability within the NHS. In total, there were 227 delegates. Feedback forms were completed by 146 delegates, with 98% stating that the conference met their expectations. Abstracts were submitted by trainees from across the region, with 20 posters displayed and 3 oral presentations delivered. This allowed trainees to showcase their work at a regional level- inspiring peers and sharing best practice. Plenary sessions addressed leadership and sustainability at the policy level, in addition to green surgery. Additionally, well-received workshops took place, including a workshop by CHIMP Management which centred around emotional intelligence.

Key messages Leadership is an increasingly important feature across specialty curricula within medical and dental training. It is vital to invest in leadership skills development for medical and dental trainees- they are the healthcare leaders of the future who will be of vital importance in improving patient care. The NWLS allow committee members to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in the region, in addition to NHS England NW. Feedback from our events across 2022–2023 was overwhelmingly positive and demonstrates a real appetite for leadership skills development amongst trainees of all grades and specialties.

We have provided leadership development in a variety of ways both virtually and in-person, led by trainees, for trainees. The collaboration of medics and dentists of multiple training grades across multiple specialties within the region is exciting. We are developing and inspiring the healthcare leaders of the future, ultimately for the benefit of our healthcare system and patient care.