Leader Autumn 2026
Foreword By Dr Frances Dodd, Head of NHS North West Leadership Academy At the NHS North West Leadership Academy (NHS NWLA), one of our key priorities this year has been aiding the implementation of the new NHS Leadership and Management Framework. This has been developed to support and professionalise leadership […]
Julie Cheetham: Leading change through authenticity, compassion and clinical leadership
After almost four decades in the NHS, Julie Cheetham is preparing to retire with a wealth of experience spanning clinical practice, regional leadership and system-wide transformation. A clinician by background, Julie has spent much of her career bringing people together to improve patient care across the North West as the […]
Developing the next generation of midwifery leaders
For Celena Biggs, becoming a midwife was an ambition she had held since childhood. Celena is a Band 7 community midwife team leader at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, leading a team that provides continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Participation in the North […]
Aislinn O’Dwyer: A journey through the NHS, leadership, and the power of public health
Aislinn O’Dwyer, Chair, East Cheshire NHS Trust, has had a remarkable journey through the NHS, spanning five decades and encompassing a wide range of roles. From her early days as a nurse and midwife to her current position as a non-executive director and chair, Aislinn’s career has been defined by […]
Leadership drop-in: monthly conversations with NHS NWLA – frequently asked questions
This summary consolidates the recurring questions raised during our Leadership drop-in: monthly conversations with NHS NWLA sessions. We hope this provides a single reference point for colleagues implementing the NHS Leadership and Management Framework. NHS Leadership and Management Framework What is the NHS Leadership and Management Framework? The framework provides […]
How leaders can co-produce better with their communities
Co-production has become a common phrase across the NHS, local government and the wider public sector. Yet despite the best intentions, many leaders still struggle to move beyond consultation towards genuine partnership with their communities. The challenge is not usually a lack of commitment. It’s understanding what meaningful co-production actually […]
From hospital to community: Insight from ‘This Van Can’ cancer awareness initiative
By Mingxi Suo, NHS North West Leadership Academy What can happen when a public health campaign moves into community spaces and meets people where they are? Launched by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, This Van Can has been touring across the region, bringing conversations about cancer symptoms and screening into local […]
Our C.A.R.E. Leadership Way
The C.A.R.E. Leadership Way highlights the power of partnership working to create a shared approach to leadership across organisations. Through strong relationships, listening and tailored leadership development support, the NHS North West Leadership Academy worked alongside partners to connect local ambitions with wider development opportunities, helping to strengthen leadership capability, collaboration and inclusion across the South East Sector Health Care Partnership.
Breaking the silence – one conversation at a time
By Kash Haroon, North West ADASS Associate Ask leadership teams how race is experienced in their organisation and the answer is often the same: we don’t hear much about it. Or, as I heard ten years ago across the North West: race? It’s not a problem. Silence about race often […]