OD Essentials
Find out about our OD Essentials online training course, a free course for those working in OD in the NHS.
OD Essentials is a free, online course for NHS employees interested in finding out more about the role of OD in the NHS. Applications for the June 2025 cohort are now open.
The OD Essentials 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 occupational development report. We run new cohorts every two months.
What the course covers:
- essential elements of OD theory and research
- definitions and applications of OD in practice
- the role of OD in enhancing the effectiveness of systems and the ability to achieve shared goals
- the importance of the self in OD practice
- the impact of OD on the quality and safety of patient care.
Application details
- OD Essentials is a five-week course with approximately six hours of learning per week.
- Study is completed in your own time - there are no specific times you need to be available.
- Previous attendees have found the time required means many fell behind with their learning. Please only apply if you can dedicate appropriate time to complete the study.
- The course requires examples of how you can use the learning in your role, or examples of what you have already done. It is not suitable for people not currently working in OD.
- To support learners, we hold two (optional) virtual sessions for each cohort, to share learning, ask questions and offer peer support.
