Introduction A novel series of study days were established for trainees in Wales, to provide tailored leadership development and encourage greater, empowered trainee leadership activity in the near future and beyond. The study days, offered virtual to maximise accessibility given Wales’ challenging geography and trainees’ needs, aimed to provide introductory sessions to a range of key and practically useful leadership and team working aspects, such as compassionate leadership and Myers Briggs Personality Trait Indicator sessions. Also included were sessions showcasing the diverse ways in which attendees could further their leadership development following the course and a Q+A session with leaders in Wales. All sessions were delivered by clinical leaders within Wales, from medical directors to university academics, Royal College chairs to trainee leaders. The study days have received highly positive feedback from trainees and senior leaders involved, trainees reporting greater knowledge, confidence and realisation of being leaders currently, not just the future.

Aims and objectives of the research project or activity The overarching aim of the study days was to stem a gap existing in Wales for accessible, high quality and affordable (free) leadership development training for all trainees, regardless of speciality, grade or location. Additional aims were to provide an experience which mapped to the GMC’s GPC framework domain ‘leadership and teamworking’, to encourage development of the future leaders of healthcare in Wales, and to empower trainees to continue, or increase their current leadership activities, cognisant of the proven positive impact of clinical leadership at all career stages. Alongside this, it was felt important to deliver a study day which trainees felt was relatable and practically useful in a financially feasible, inclusive and more environmentally sustainable way. It is hoped that these study days will help equip and instil confidence in trainees to build their leadership experiences and skills, inspiring them become the future leaders of healthcare in Wales.

Method or approach Initial study day was designed with reference to the GMC’s GPC framework leadership and team working domain, whilst mindful of past research and reports (Kings Fund, Spurgeon, GMC and FMLM TSG’s) and HEIW’s compassionate leadership endorsement.

Initially, a detailed pre-study day survey collected trainees’ leadership perceptions, knowledge and experiences of leadership and development opportunities, further shaping event design.

Topics included: clinical and compassionate leadership, introduction, mentoring and coaching, self-awareness/MBTI, clinical dilemmas and conflict, change management, Q+A with Welsh leaders and further leadership development. Post course resources included invitations to join a leadership resource hub/network, ‘Leadership without Boundaries’. All speakers worked within healthcare in Wales, including medical directors, Royal College and national clinical leads alongside trainees. Initially, pre-course reading included resources included a compassionate leadership video and the MBTI test. This was subsequently adjusted due to session-specific needs. Pre and post-study day attendee survey, speaker and HEIW faculty canvassing provided feedback.

Findings To date, 86 trainees from across hospital and community specialities, from grades F1, registrar and clinical fellow have attended a study day.

Prior to the events, 61% reported experience of clinical leadership. None felt like a leader all the time, with 79% sometimes to never. Only 4% definitely felt comfortable in leadership roles, with 66% sometimes to never. Attendees wanted to improve their leadership confidence and learn how to become involved in leadership, alongside different leadership approaches.

95% of attendees found the study day beneficial for their current role and 97% would recommend to colleagues. Perceived knowledge increased by 48%, most stating they had ‘less than some’ knowledge prior to the day and after, ‘some to a lot’.

Sessions most valued addressed: compassionate leadership, MBTI/personality traits and the team, personal experiences of senior leaders and practical application of clinical leadership. Free text responses outlined the most common changes following the study day were more self-awareness/empowerment within their daily leadership activities and development opportunities, having more confidence in leadership roles and intent to practise compassionate leadership. The cost of delivering the study days is on average £1100-£1300 per day (plus HEIW administrative staff time) resulting from the MBTI-related costs.

Key messages Building access to protected time for leadership development opportunities for trainees whilst actively within training programmes is key to investing in the future of patient care, healthcare innovation and sustainable teams.

Aiming to build trainee leadership confidence and self-identification with leadership activities are important aspects to address during leadership training and within other development opportunities.

Most trainees reported benefiting more from applied, contextually rich leadership learning and development opportunities delivered by clinical leaders themselves rather than theory-rich alternatives.

Virtual-based leadership development opportunities designed to maximise interactivity and minimising screen fatigue can be of sizeable benefit to trainees, promoting inclusivity and equity of access to such experiences. This is where potential attendee populations have a large geographical area spread. They also reduce carbon footprint, whilst providing greater flexibility and affordability.

Synoptic leadership study days built by trainees for trainees can be valuable adjuncts to practical experience of leadership within working environments.