Course Information
About this course
The Defence Connected Leader Programme (DCLP) is a leadership development intervention designed for OF5 and Grade 6–7 leaders, aligned to the Leadership Edge Framework—Defence’s first enterprise-wide leadership development framework. The programme forms part of a coherent leadership pathway, supporting a highly personalised development journey that emphasises relevance, lived experience and practical application. It is specifically designed to equip leaders to operate effectively in increasingly complex and ambiguous environments, strengthening agility, adaptability and enterprise-minded leadership in rapidly changing contexts.
The programme is delivered across three interconnected modules, each comprising a three day, face to face classroom experience, supported by approximately two hours of pre learning per module. A distinctive feature of the DCLP is its use of psychometric tools and 360 degree feedback, enabling participants to develop deep self awareness and take ownership of their development priorities. Learning is embedded through reflection, peer engagement and application to real Defence leadership challenges. Across all three modules, participants benefit from working closely with peers from across Defence, creating strong professional networks and shared learning that continue beyond the programme.
The Defence Connected Leader Programme is delivered as a closed cohort over three modules. Participants must therefore be available to attend all three modules in full, as continuity and collective learning are central to the programme’s design and impact.
| Module | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 - 044-26 | 13 Oct 26 | 15 Oct 26 |
| Module 2 - 044-26 | 24 Nov 26 | 26 Nov 25 |
| Module 3 - 044-26 | 19 Jan 27 | 21 Jan 27 |
| Module 1 - 045-26 | 9 Feb 27 | 11 Feb 27 |
| Module 2 - 045-26 | 16 Mar 27 | 18 Mar 27 |
| Module 3 - 045-26 | 27 Apr 27 | 29 Apr 27 |
What you will learn
The Defence Connected Leader Programme develops leaders through three interconnected modules, each focused on a different aspect of leadership: self, others and the organisation. Together, they build the insight, skills and confidence needed to lead effectively in complex and ambiguous Defence environments.
Module 1 – Self: Developing your inner resources
This module focuses on understanding yourself as a leader and strengthening your personal leadership foundation. You will explore your leadership identity, values and mindset, and how these show up in your decisions and behaviours. Using psychometric tools, guided reflection and learning sets, you will develop greater self awareness, emotional intelligence and resilience. The module also builds confidence, ethical judgement and adaptive leadership skills to help you operate effectively under pressure and uncertainty.
Module 2 – Others: Enhancing your relationships
This module shifts the focus to leading people and teams. You will learn how to build high performing, inclusive teams, motivate others and support wellbeing. Coaching leadership, constructive challenge and managing team dynamics are key themes. 360 degree feedback is introduced to help you understand how your leadership is experienced by others and to sharpen your ability to build trust, credibility and strong working relationships. The module also develops your capability to build alliances, influence across boundaries and leverage professional networks.
Module 3 – Organisation: Scaling your leadership
The final module prepares you to operate at organisational and enterprise level. You will develop a broader, system wide perspective, learning how to lead through complexity, navigate change and align people and effort to Defence priorities. Key areas include decision making under uncertainty, managing risk, organisational learning, innovation and working effectively across Defence structures. This module helps you scale your leadership impact beyond your immediate role to deliver sustainable outcomes.
How this course will help your career
The Defence Connected Leader Programme is designed for leaders at a critical transition point, supporting progression from leading within a role or team to leading across people, systems and the wider Defence enterprise. It fits naturally within the career pathway of OF5 and Grade 6–7 leaders, developing the self awareness, relational capability and organisational perspective expected at senior levels. Aligned to the Leadership Edge pathway, the programme helps build the capability and mindset required for future senior Defence leadership roles and provides a strong foundation for continued development as individuals progress through the leadership pathway, including towards the Defence Senior Leader Programme (DSLP) a mandatory course on achieving promotion to 1*.
Entry requirements
Who can attend this course
- Military
- MOD civil servants
Only open to applications from OF5 and Grade 6 or 7.
Before you attend
Participants are expected to complete a short amount of pre learning ahead of each module to prepare for the classroom experience. The programme is highly interactive and relies on a willingness to engage openly, reflect honestly and share leadership experiences with other members of the cohort in a supportive environment.
Additional information
Planned dates
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