What is the Ready Now: Beyond Programme?

  • A track record of success – The Ready Now Programme was probably the most successful programme for developing BME leaders in this country. Over 75% of people who come on the original Ready Now Programme gained career progression within one year of completing the programme
  • Beyond Positive Action – Though often labelled as a positive action programme it is in fact a programme that has at its heart a desire for social justice and social change
  • Beyond classic leadership development – It is a leadership development programme that draws on the leadership develops experience primarily of Eden Charles and Dave Thornton. Between them they have over 70 years of leadership development experience in the NHS. They are passionate about the issues of developing high performing organisations through the utilisation of the talent and skill of the widest possible range of people
  • Building on Success – Dave and Eden have worked with leadership at all levels of the NHS and are experienced at managing and facilitating at the very most senior levels of the NHS to the level of people who are newly introduced into the NHS. ‘Ready Now: Beyond’ builds upon the learning and impact of the classic Ready Now programme and is, we believe, an improved and exciting development initiative.
  • Unique structures, processes and content – The programme draws on more than classical leadership development. It embraces the wisdom and insights of the voices and experiences of practitioners, theoreticians and from those communities of peoples whose voices have too often been left out of defining the needs of leading for a truly equitable and inclusive society. It is designed to reflect the particular needs of participants & embraces unique structures, processes and content that reflect that
  • A culture change programme – It is based on participant realities as well as the realities of the systems that they work in and their lived experience. The programme does not just help them develop their ability to effectively manage their careers more ambitiously and effectively. It also equips them with the knowledge, skills and belief systems necessary to help transform the cultures of the organisation they work in, so they become more effectively inclusive and equitable

Programme Objectives

  • To help develop BME leaders that can succeed at the most senior levels of the national health service
  • To develop participants’ ability to lead themselves, others, and systems in ways that skilfully grow equity and increase overall organisational effectiveness
  • To develop their ability of participants to manage effectively in the complex and contradictory realities of NHS systems
  • To inspire belief, hope and motivation to succeed in contributing to the NHS at all levels
  • To reconnect people with a sense of their strength, beauty and ability
  • To grow confidence that they can succeed in the present and future realities of the NHS
  • To help people to work with agency and take responsibility for their success

Programme Elements

  • Pre-Work
  • Module 1 – 3 Days – 30th September – 2nd October 2025
  • Set Inter Module Activity
  • Module 2 – 2 Days – 25th/26th November 2025
  • Set Inter Module Activity
  • Module 3 – 2 Days – 13th/14th January 2026
  • Set Inter Module Activity
  • Module 4 – 2 Days – 25th/26th February 2026
  • Set Inter Module Activity
  • Module 5 – 3 Days – 21st – 23rd April 2026