OD Essentials

OD Essentials is a free, online course for OD colleagues interested in finding out more about the role of OD in the NHS. Registrations for October 2025 will open soon.
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 organisational development report. We run new cohorts every two months. You can apply towards the bottom of this page.
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.
Course details
- OD Essentials requires examples of how you can use the learning in your role, or OD work you have already completed. It is not suitable for people not currently working in OD.
- The course lasts five weeks, involving around six hours of learning per week. Please only apply if you can dedicate the time to complete the study.
- Study is completed in your own time and is self led.
- We hold two (optional) online sessions for each cohort, to share learning, ask questions and offer peer support.
Apply for OD Essentials
The next cohort will run in October 2025, so please keep an eye on this page. The application form will be published soon.