Public Leaders Programme 2026 - Application DRAFT

Overview

Thank you for your interest in the Public Leaders Programme— a fully funded, 12-month executive leadership programme designed by the Leadership College for Government (part of the Cabinet Office) exclusively for public sector Chief Executives and equivalent level roles.

Run across 2026, the programme brings together two cohorts of 30 CEO-level leaders to build the leadership capacity needed to meet the system-wide challenges facing the UK.

Please complete this short application form. It should take up to 20 minutes to complete. 

Eligibility 

If you have any questions about your eligibility for the programme then please contact us at leadershipcollege@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

The most senior level of leaders of the largest public sector and civil service organisations in the UK are eligible to participate in the Public Leaders Programme. This typically includes CEOs (and equivalent level roles).

The following is a list of the CEO level roles which would typically be eligible for the programme

• CEOs in the National Health Service, including NHS Trusts, Ambulance Trusts, and Integrated Care Systems
• vice-chancellors of universities with over 10,000 students
• principals or CEOs of large further education colleges (turnover of £30m+)
• CEOs of academy chains (25 or more linked schools or 10,000 or more students)
• CEOs of Metropolitan Districts, Unitary Authorities, Combined Authorities, County Councils, or London Borough Councils
• chief constables of police services
• chief fire officers of fire and rescue services
• Civil Service Permanent Secretaries, Directors General (SC3 and 4)
• three star military officers
• CEOs of the largest Arms Length Bodies and Regional Transport Authorities (SCS3 and 4 equivalent level roles)

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