Post Graduate Certificate in Service Transformation and Leadership (CYP MH)
A postgraduate certificate for leaders and managers in children and young people’s mental health (CYPMH) servicesThis 60-credit programme develops advanced leadership and transformational change expertise to design, lead and sustain evidence-based, needs-led services.
Delivered by Associate Development Solutions (ADS) in partnership with the University of Northampton.
Format
Online and face-to-face lectures, skills workshops and seminars, action learning sets, group tutorials, directed self-study and one-to-one coaching
Duration
12 months
(600 hours including guided independent study)
Date
Courses start in March
(Application deadline: December)
Who this is for
Applicants with relevant experience of working in children and young people’s mental health across statutory or non-statutory organisations at managerial, commissioning, senior or team leadership level. Students will normally have graduate status (or evidence of successful Level 6 study) and a relevant professional qualification/registration or an accepted leadership role within partner services.
Why this programme
The programme aligns with NHSE Transformational Principles for CYPMHS. It builds the competency to lead service transformation and change, grounded in critical knowledge of theory, research and implementation literature, so leaders can make necessary changes to deliver quality, outcomes-informed services.
What you’ll learn (curriculum at a glance)
-
Transformational change theory, policy and leadership in CYP contexts
-
Theories of leadership and application to personal leadership practice
-
Reflective leadership skills and evidence-informed practice
-
Leading transformational change and understanding organisational culture
-
Co-production and participation with children, young people and families
-
Implementation science, outcomes and feedback for service improvement
-
Service improvement and systems change methodology
-
Critical thinking and research skills for transformational change
Curriculum by session
This is a part-time course delivered over 12 months (60 credits). This course comprises two Level 7 modules:
Module 1: Leadership and sustainable change through reflective and evidence-based practice (PSYM130)
Indicative content:
Day 1: Models of Leadership
Day 2: The Art of Reflection & Transformational Leadership
Day 3: Cultural Leadership & Organisational Culture and Leadership
Day 4: Developing resilient leaders: Emotional Intelligence & Compassionate Leadership
Day 5: Theory of transformational change in organisations
Module 2: Children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing service transformation project (PSYM131)
Indicative content:
Day 1: Transforming Services in Practice & Implementing Transformation/ Change tools
Day 2: Implementation Science & Critical Thinking
Day 3: CYP participation & service transformation
Day 4: Collaborative & Partnership Working for Leaders
Day 5: Service Improvement & systems change methodology (incl. House of Quality)
Day 6: Staff Resilience; Managing difficult conversations; leading in complex environments
Project presentation / learning event
PLUS: 6 action learning sets, 4 group tutorials, and 2 one-to-one leadership coaching sessions per module.
Delivery and time commitment
Taught through interactive lectures, skills workshops and seminars, action learning sets, group tutorials, directed self-study and one-to-one coaching.
Each module comprises approximately 55 contact hours and 245 hours of guided independent study (total 300 hours per module).
Minimum attendance requirement is 85% for each module including ALS, tutorials and coaching.
Assessment
Each module is formally assessed through reflective and work-based assignments. There are four assignments:
- Leadership Portfolio Report (1,500 words)
- Reflective Log (1,500 words)
- Project Proposal (2,000 words)
- Case Study Project Report (5,000 words plus presentation)
You are also expected to maintain a reflective journal throughout the course.
Price
NHS England’s Children and Young People’s Mental Health (CYP MH) Psychological Training and the Midlands region fully fund places through the national CYP Mental Health Transformation programme.
Funding eligibility requires a leadership role in CYP Mental Health services within the Midlands and employment by NHS or CYP MH partnership-commissioned services. Those in commissioning, education, or third sector roles focused on CYP Mental Health may also qualify.
Applicants outside the Midlands must secure funding from their own organisation, please contact us for details.
What participants take away
A reflective practice approach
A theoretical and practical understanding of key transformational leadership approaches
A real-life application of theory to a project of your choice
A post-graduate certificate in transformational leadership
Frequently asked questions
How are the sessions conducted?
Teaching is delivered online (Microsoft Teams) and face to face.
Face-to-face sessions may be held at University of Northampton Waterside Campus or partner venues in the Midlands, including Meetpoint Midlands, Kegworth.
What are the entry requirements?
Relevant CYP MH leadership experience; graduate status or evidence of Level 6 study; relevant professional registration/leadership role.
Applicants without a degree may be asked for a short essay to evidence Level 7 capability. APEL/APCL may be considered within limits.
For NHSE funded places, you must be working in a service in the Midlands region.