The Emerging Women Leaders Programme is a development programme designed specifically to address the under-representation of women in leadership roles within the RCP and the wider medical profession.
Applications for our 2025/26 cohort are open, and will close on 10 June 2025, apply now.
The Emerging Women Leaders Programme 2023/24 yearbookThis year it focuses its guest speakers to the north or south of the UK to build up networking within your local area depending on the cohort you choose.
This is one of our most popular and prestigious programmes with many alumna going on to attain leadership positions following completion of the programme. Some examples are included in the yearbooks below.
The year-long programme (which comprises five teaching days) aims to develop either new leaders early in their careers or leaders who, whilst more established, have faced barriers in their development as leaders.
The programme achieves these aims in a number of ways:
- interactive workshops facilitated by senior educationalists and doctors
- inspiring talks and presentations from senior women leaders
- mentoring by experienced women clinicians
- peer group support
- opportunities for professional networking
- the opportunity to achieve RCP leadership accreditation.
Anonymous response from EWL Day 4, London Cohort (24 February 2024)
“As ever, the EWL days highlight that I am not alone in the experiences and struggles I encounter at work. A lot of us have similar experiences and it’s really helpful to hear how others face/tackle them.”
The programme
We have guest speakers from either the North or the South depending on venue, so we consider the challenges specific to your part of the UK. There are five days content delivered at RCP London or RCP at The Spine (Liverpool) or online including:
- Introduction day
- ‘Doctors as leaders’ RCP accreditation (two days)
- Mid-programme development day
- Programme finale.
Days 1, 3 and 5 will include talks from inspirational women leaders.
Confirmed Teaching days for 2025-26
Day 1: Liverpool (7 October 2025) and London (14 October 2025)
Day 2: Liverpool (2 December 2025) and London (9 December 2025)
Day 3: London (3 February 2026) and Liverpool (10 February 2026)
Day 4: London (14 April 2026) and Liverpool (21 April 2026)
Day 5: Networking day for both cohorts in London (23 June 2026)
Personalised mentoring: Mentoring from a senior woman leader at least three times across the programme.
Action learning sets: Ongoing peer group support through an action learning sets (ALS) programme. ALS sessions find practical ways of addressing the ‘real life’ challenges that are faced in the workplace, through a structured process of insightful questioning combined with a balance of support and challenge from group members.
Dr Sarah Shotton, Consultant, Respiratory Medicine
“Excellent teaching and input from facilitators and guest speaker who shared a lot of experience and wisdom."
Who should apply?
This course is designed for women doctors who are starting on their consultant-level leadership journey, at whatever stage in their career this may be. This means it can include a wide range of individuals such as: post-CCT doctors seeking a consultant role, consultants in the first few years in that role, SAS doctors with equivalent experience, and those who are beginning their leadership journey later due to career breaks or other responsibilities.
If you are unsure if the programme is suitable for you, whatever your age or job title, please contact WomenInMedicine@rcp.ac.uk to discuss your individual circumstances.
Programme cost
The fee for the emerging women leaders programme, including the development days, personalised mentoring, action learning sets, and networking is £4,200 for non-members, and £3,780 for members of the RCP (10% discount). Organisations wishing to make multiple bookings should contact: WomenInMedicine@rcp.ac.uk
Funded places
We have a number of funded places available for RCP members, you must be a member at time of application, find out more about membership.
How do I apply?
Applications for the 2025/26 cohort are open and will close on 10 June 2025. We have listed the details of what information we will need, you can apply using the form below.
All applicants, including those self-funding, will need to complete an application form.
The following information will be required as part of the application:
- Information about previous job roles (last five years)
- Information about any previous leadership training
- Information about any prior leadership experience
- Personal statement highlighting motivation for joining the programme (max 500 words)
- Contact details of line manager to be able to confirm consent for participating in the programme.
Apply using the form below.
Apply nowYou can register your interest for the 2026/27 cohort here.
Dr Surangi Mendis, Consultant, Audio vestibular Medicine
“Wide range of topics covered. Huge amount of content - all good for thought."