Delivered through a flexible blended learning model, this free, member-exclusive programme reflects the PDA’s strong commitment to developing the next generation of pharmacy leaders.
PDA Head of Education, Kate Kensington, said: “High-quality, free, relevant and accessible leadership training is hard to find for those who are not yet in designated leadership roles. Leadership skills are vital to all pharmacists, whatever role they are in, and we wanted to provide training to support their development.”
Participants in the first cohort completed a series of modules covering key areas such as understanding and defining leadership, leadership models, leading people, leadership and performance, and leadership in practice.
A wide range of interactive elements, including micro-teaching sessions, drop-in webinars and peer discussions, enabled participants to reflect on their existing skills while building confidence and capability. The programme also created valuable opportunities to connect with peers across different stages of their professional journeys.
Rating from the first Emerging Leaders Programme
Feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the programme’s clear structure and flexible, self-paced format, which made it easy to fit alongside university study and work commitments. The variety of learning resources, including videos, quizzes, written content and transcripts, ensured accessibility for different learning styles.
Following the strong success of the first cohort, the PDA is now inviting applications for the next programme starting in August 2026.
Next Emerging Leaders Programme open for applications
Key details
- Application deadline/offers issued by 20 June 2026
The programme runs over four months from 1 August to 31 December 2026:
- Modules 1 and 2: 4 August – 31 August 2026
- Module 3: 1 September – 23 October 2026
- Module 4: 2 November – 31 December 2026
Each module requires approximately 2 – 3 hours of study.
Live online micro-teaching sessions will take place on:
- Monday 3 August 2026, 7 pm – 8 pm
- Thursday 17 September 2026, 7 pm – 8 pm
- Thursday 26 November 2026, 7 pm – 8 pm
Places on the programme are limited. Applicants should ensure they can attend at least 80% of the live sessions and commit to the required study time for each module. Participation across the full duration of the programme is expected.
Who should apply?
This programme is ideal for pharmacy students, trainees and early-career pharmacists who are looking to develop their leadership skills, build confidence and prepare for future career opportunities. Further information about the programme can be found here.
Places are limited and will be offered to those who complete the application in full and meet the programme criteria. Those not initially selected will be placed on a waiting list for future cohorts.
Feedback from the first Emerging Leaders Programme
“I am blown away by how positive of an experience this was — I knew it would be interesting and helpful but I genuinely looked forward to the sessions.”
“An inspiring and well-structured programme that has significantly strengthened my confidence in leadership and communication. The sessions were engaging, practical, and directly relevant to my development as a future healthcare professional.”
“This programme has been a valuable and inspiring experience, helping me build confidence and essential leadership skills early in my career, and I would strongly recommend it to any PDA member looking to grow both professionally and personally.”
“The Emerging Leaders Programme gave me new-found confidence in my ability as a leader. I’ve gone from strength to strength and feel ready to apply the skills I’ve learnt. I completed the course feeling more confident, empowered and eager about my journey as a budding leader.”
“To get far in life, you have to learn how to lead and the best place to hone these skills is the PDA.”
“As a newly qualified pharmacist, I have witnessed the complexities and challenges of leadership, which motivated me to want to learn more and become the best leader I can be. The PDA Emerging Leaders programme provided me with the tools, confidence, and competencies needed to grow and succeed in future pharmacy management roles. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone at the beginning of their career looking to develop their leadership potential!”
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.