Article

OD Advanced development programme

Learn more about OD Advanced, a free development programme for NHS OD professionals seeking to deepen their OD knowledge.

27 January 2026

Student studying in a library

OD Advanced is a development programme for OD practitioners working across the NHS who are ready to deepen their expertise, strengthen their strategic influence and enhance their impact across complex systems.

Designed and delivered by NHS Employers, the programme blends three community learning days, action learning sets, and self‑led study to support practitioners in expanding their capability, confidence and professional practice. 

Applications for our first cohort are now open. You can apply using the form at the bottom of this page. 

The OD Advanced programme is funded by NHS England as part of its commitment to support and develop the people profession as outlined in The future of NHS human resources and organisational development report.

    • Advanced OD theories, skills and behaviours for strategic partnering 
    • Consultancy practice, including contracting, roles and navigating complex organisational challenge 
    • Self‑as‑instrument and the influence of identity, values and lived experience on OD practice 
    • Organisation design principles and tools to support system‑wide effectiveness 
    • Contemporary change models and approaches for complex, dynamic environments 
    • Group dynamics and group development, including noticing and intervening in patterns 
    • Reflective practice to deepen insight and enhance OD impact 
    • Leadership and influencing at senior levels 
    • Inclusion, evidence and measuring impact as golden threads throughout the programme

Course details

OD Advanced combines in-person and virtual learning to create a supportive development experience.  

Community days

  • Community day 1: Wednesday 18 March 2026, In person, Horizon, Leeds or NHS Confederation, London; 9:30am – 4:30pm
  • Community day 2: Thursday 30 April 2026, Virtual, MS Teams; 9:30am–4:30pm
  • Community day 3: Tuesday 9 June 2026, Virtual, MS Teams; 9:30am–4:30pm

Action learning sets 

  • Action learning set 1: Thursday 9 April 2026, Virtual, MS Teams; 9am–4pm (learners will be assigned a 90-minute slot) 

  • Action learning set 2: Thursday 21 May 2026, Virtual, MS Teams; 9am–4pm (learners will be assigned a 90-minute slot) 

  • Action learning set 3: Thursday 4 June 2026, Virtual, MS Teams; 9am–4pm (learners will be assigned a 90-minute slot) 

Before applying, please ensure you are available to attend all the above dates, including travel to Leeds on 18 March. 

Further FAQs

  • This course is for OD practitioners working in the NHS who are experienced but seeking to deepen their knowledge and underpin their existing expertise with further learning. They will be at or aspiring towards the Chartered level of the NHS People Profession Map.

  • You can find the application link towards the bottom of this web page. 

  • If you’ve submitted the application form, your details have been received. Our team is reviewing applications and you can expect to hear back by Monday 23rd February.

  • We understand that workloads and commitments can change. If now isn’t the right time you’re very welcome to apply for a future cohort. As places are limited, we encourage applicants to join only when they feel confident they can attend all sessions and commit enough time to the learning.

  • There are no formally marked assessments. However, the programme includes reflective activities and peer‑supported tasks designed to help you apply your learning.

  • The community days and learning sets include a mix of facilitated learning, discussion and opportunities to connect with peers. Attendance is an important part of the programme, so please ensure you can join all dates before applying.

Apply for OD Advanced 

Our first cohort starting in March 2026 is now open for applications.

Complete the application form.

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