Since 2022 AFT has hosted a series of development programmes for systemically trained therapists in leadership positions, which have been both popular (over-subscribed) and well-received, with many commenting how helpful it has been to meet with other practitioners in similar positions.

Systemic leaders attending these programmes have however fed back that it has been hard for them to hold to systemic/relational ideas about leadership in the face of dominant top-down managerialist paradigms, especially when isolated from others seeking to draw more from systemic ways of thinking. In response to this we developed a leadership consultation programme delivered in 2024-2025, giving space for consultations on participants’ working contexts, and spreading this over 8 months in the hope that participants could develop links which would outlast the programme.

This was well-received and we are now offering a further programme comprising 8 sessions online running from October 2025 to May 2026. Participants will in the large group discuss key systemic leadership and organisational ideas, linked to practice, and in smaller groups have the opportunity to consult with colleagues about the issues facing them in their leadership roles.

Dates for the online programme will be as follows:

• Thursday 9 October 2025, 9.30-12.30
• Thursday 13 November 2025, 9.30-12.00
• Thursday 11 December 2025, 9.30-12.00
• Thursday 15 January 2026, 9.30-12.30
• Thursday 12 February 2026, 9.30-12.00
• Thursday 12 March 2026, 9.30-12.00
• Thursday 16 April 2026, 9.30-12.00
• Thursday 4 May 2026, 9.30-12.00

Applicants who have attended previous AFT leadership programmes will be prioritised, and other applicants who are systemic therapists in leadership positions are also encouraged to apply. There will be a maximum of 32 programme participants, and the course fee will be £300.

The training team will be Percy Aggett, Carol Halliwell, Philip Messent and Rozen Rauf.

To apply please complete this form.

The deadline for applications is 31 July 2025. 

If you have any questions please contact Philip.Santana-Reedy@aft.org.uk