Leadership Programme

We are excited to announce a new learning opportunity in 2026, the Battersea Academy. Leadership Programme. Built using feedback from shelter leaders about areas where they believe they need the most support, the programme is designed for those who want to strengthen their leadership skills, reach their potential and invest in the long-term success of their organisation.

Across 10 monthly workshops, you’ll develop a network of peers and take part in a range of expert-led sessions that consider the unique opportunities and challenges that come from leading in the animal welfare sector.

Applications will close on Thursday 11th December, and successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 17th December.

Duration: Online workshop January - November 2026 (with a break in August) 

Dates: Approximately 2.5 hours, each month

How to Apply

To apply for this programme, please complete this form which includes a few short questions to check your eligibility and help us understand why you wish to join us, and how this programme will benefit you and your organisation.

Apply today

A dog sitting down looking up

TELL ME MORE

The Battersea Academy Leadership Programme will run from January - November 2026 (with a break in August) and consists of one live online workshop, lasting 2.5 hours, each month. These will typically take place on a Wednesday at 14:00-16:30pm (UK Time) and will be supported by e-learning, reflective sessions and resources. 

Each month we will focus on a different topic, covering themes of your leadership, creating a strong team, and future proofing your organisation.

Your Leadership

We will explore how you got to the position you’re in today (many of us started as practitioners and end up as leaders) and the steps you took to get there. We'll think about the different ways people lead to help you find your leadership style.

Coaching conversations

Knowing that asking questions rather than jumping to problem solving builds a confident team that are trusted to do their job and able to work independently. In this session you’ll explore how to be curious in conversations with your team, ask the questions that get the best from them and build a toolkit to use beyond the programme.

Managing change

Building your ability as a leader places you more in control of change. We’ll discuss how to effectively lead an organisation through challenging situations.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

· Be in a senior leadership role in an animal shelter (at all levels of experience, new and established leaders are welcome).

· Commit to attend all sessions (dates below).

· Be prepared to be an active participant in the programme (including pre and post session work where required, this would be around 1-2 hours of work per month).

· A lot of pair and small group work is involved, so attendees need to be confident working with different people. The course will be delivered in English, and therefore, competence in written and spoken English is essential.

· As the course is online, there is a need for strong internet access. A working camera is essential, as cameras remain on.

· There is a great deal of information within the course and plenty to do; we therefore need attendees who can commit to the sessions and fully focus on them without distraction. A private space will be needed during the sessions, as confidentiality is important.