Healthcare leadership programme
A virtual, evidence-based development programme that helps clinicians speak up with confidence, strengthen self-compassion and wellbeing, and increase engagement and retention.
Over 4.5 months, participants grow in courage, connection and resilience, boosting confidence and retention across the system. Braver than Before is flexible, fully virtual, and designed to minimise operational disruption.
Programme impact
Outcomes are drawn from participant surveys across NHS cohorts, measured against the behaviours the programme teaches.
are now more likely to speak up in their organisations.
of clinical graduates feel more confident raising a patient safety concern with senior colleagues present.
are more likely to practise self-compassion.
feel more engaged at work as a result of the programme.
are now more likely to stay at their organisation.
Award-winning development
Braver than Before has been honoured by the sector’s leading awards for workforce, education and staff wellbeing.
Trusted by over 40 NHS Trusts across the UK
Who it’s for
Braver than Before is available to Healthcare Trusts and private organisations, and to individual Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals. Whether you are commissioning development for a workforce or investing in your own growth, the programme meets you where you are.
What’s covered
Each module targets a specific cluster of behaviours, learnable, observable in the work, and reinforced through cohort sessions and ward-based practice.
Deepening connection to ourselves and others through vulnerability and reflection.
What do you stand for as a leader and in life?
Understanding your values and how that impacts how you lead and where you want to go.
Understanding vulnerability and the impact of shame on how we live and lead bravely, and reframing thoughts to a more supportive mindset.
Inner Critic to Inner Mentor.
Dispelling the myths surrounding risk, uncertainty and emotional exposure, and recognising the fears that hold us back from smart risk-taking.
Separating facts from story, using the brave conversations framework to give daring feedback and ask for what you need.
A simple structure for objective, meaningful conversations.
Feeling empowered to ask for what you need with less fear of hearing “no”, and skills to give and receive clear, kind feedback.
Understanding how caring for ourselves first enables us to create more compassionate, empathetic spaces for others.
Overcoming perfectionism and practising healthy striving.
Identifying practices to act differently without compromising standards, and experiencing the key elements of self-compassion and self-worth.
Noticing and reframing the stories you tell about yourself and others so you can deepen resilience.
Learning how to pick ourselves up when things don’t go to plan.
Recognising the difference between shame, guilt, humiliation and embarrassment, and deepening curiosity and empathy.
Deepening self-worth and confidence to step into the arena and show up courageously.
Courage Speak Easy.
Accountability strategies to sustain learning.
An Appreciation and Feedback learning journey.
Small group coaching · three sessions
Small group coaching spaces where the learning becomes practice. In a safe, confidential setting, you bring real leadership challenges, receive coaching and gain fresh perspectives, building the confidence to lead courageously in your everyday work.
What’s included
Alumni
Sara's Story: The Midwife I Want to Be
Farrah's Story: Overcoming Anxiety to Speak Up
Benedict's Story: Imposter Syndrome & Perfectionism
This has absolutely changed my life. My personal and professional life is absolutely incredible, and it’s all down to The Bravest Path.
I’ve just reached out to our medical director to have a conversation. I’d never done that before. It’s all about creating psychological safety so people can offload.
My biggest takeaway is that leadership is not a title I earn, it’s a responsibility I choose.
I now know that my voice deserves to be heard, and that acting bravely in small and big moments builds real confidence.
The impact it’s had on just the workplace for me is massive, and I think I just get braver every week.
Now I can express myself freely and take brave leaps forward, letting go of the background noise. It’s the best feeling.
Braver than Before® enables staff to look after themselves and develops their resilience and their courage to speak up.
I feel more courageous when difficulties arise, because I’m capable of making decisions on my own. I feel like a totally different person.
A year ago I would not have had the courage to speak up about anything. I was like a quiet mouse and let people take advantage of me. I’m probably the polar opposite now.
The programme taught me the art of self-compassion, and how being kind to myself makes me a better, more empathetic leader.
The programme has taught me that it’s ok not to be ok, and that understanding how emotions affect me makes me a more authentic leader, more present for my staff.
When my inner critic is saying put your foot down on the gas, my inner mentor is saying actually slow down. You will get there.
Instead of calling them difficult conversations, we can call them important conversations.
I am not fearful now to approach a doctor or say that I don’t agree with something they’re saying. I feel as though I’m finally putting women and babies absolutely first, because now I’m willing to have those difficult conversations.
100% of the staff that have been on Braver than Before® feel more empowered to speak up, which is incredible.
What I took away most is that taking the first step is the hardest, and that saying no and setting boundaries is courageous, not a limitation.
The programme showed me that you may feel like you’re on your own, but really, most people feel the same. So be brave!
My biggest takeaway is that self-compassion matters: it lets me care better for my patients and get through my work without feeling overwhelmed.
You need to be able to say, actually, I need to look after myself, or I need to look after my team so that we can carry on.
I relate to people more kindly because I’m now kind to myself. I try to translate that into the lives of my colleagues and my patients.
How to register
Bring Braver than Before to your workforce. We’ll help you scope cohorts, funding routes and impact measurement for your teams.
For Nurses, Midwives and AHPs enrolling themselves. Register for an upcoming cohort through our Programme Enrolment Hub.
Enrol as an individual →Questions from NHS leaders
Our healthcare FAQ answers the questions NHS teams and commissioners ask before they commission, from psychological safety and Freedom to Speak Up to CPD, delivery at scale, and evidence of impact.
Learn how to lead with courage and nurture resilience across your team.
Get in touch →Get in touch
Enrol your organisation
Tell us a little about your Trust and we’ll be in touch to discuss cohorts, funding and impact measurements.