Health and Care Research Wales Leadership Programme
A leadership programme for Researchers for the HCRW Faculty
A programme to develop the leadership capabilities of researchers within the Faculty, building on and sharing existing skills and knowledge
The programme will support you to:
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Identify as a research leader and explore how to lead and influence in your area of expertise
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Understand what current leadership looks like and how that can be applied to your role
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Use emotional intelligence to build valuable relationships
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Be agile and flexible in achieving outcomes
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Develop and lead high-performing, motivated research teams
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Manage and lead yourself, including self-motivation and resilience
Who we are
Leaderful Action Ltd
hello@leaderfulaction.com
hello@leaderfulaction.com
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Connect with us
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Action Learning
Action Learning is a unique form of team problem solving which is more structured and which involves the whole group in non-directive questioning and helps support individuals and whole teams to gain powerful insights into outcomes, barriers, opportunities and solutions.
Group Coaching
Coaching doesn’t have to be a one to one conversation, it can involve the whole team learning together, and in turn learning about each other. Group coaching can help your team to overcome shared problems, co-create new products and develop new ways of working.
Coaching Supervision
Coaching supervision provides a structured space for coaches to reflect on their practice, enhance their skills, and ensure they are delivering the best possible service to their clients. Whether you are an experienced coach or just starting out, our highly-skilled supervisors can help you to ensure safe and ethical practice, navigate complex client scenarios, and refine your approach.
Executive Coaching
As a senior leader, you are probably faced with complex problems, tricky people situations, and tough decisions, all without the opportunity to share the load with a peer or manager of your own. Executive coaching provides a confidential, reflective, and challenging space for you to learn about yourself and your priorities, to help you to work through barriers, find solutions and take action.
Developmental Coaching
Coaching isn't just for senior leaders. It can be a transformative space for anyone at any level, to help you increase your awareness and excel, both in your work and your personal life. Whether it is to explore a performance or task-related goal, develop a new skill, prepare for your next role or increase your confidence, coaching can help you gain insight
and move forward.
and move forward.
Workshops on Change
Change is difficult - for individuals and organisations. Our change experts can support you to understand the responses to change and how to maximise the effectiveness of change initiatives in your organisation.
Examples of change workshops include:
Understanding Change
Examples of change workshops include:
Understanding Change
Change Leadership
Change Management
The 5R Change Model
Workshops on Coaching
Coaching skills help unlock potential, build confidence, and improve relationships in any role. Discover how to develop a coaching mindset so you can empower yourself and others to succeed.
Examples of coaching workshops include:
The Coaching Approach
Coaching skills for Managers
Building on your Coaching Skillset
Developing a Coaching Culture
Examples of coaching workshops include:
The Coaching Approach
Coaching skills for Managers
Building on your Coaching Skillset
Developing a Coaching Culture
Workshops on Communication
Enhance your communication skills with our workshops, designed to improve clarity, active listening, and influence. Whether you are looking to develop your leadership, team collaboration, or conflict resolution, our sessions empower effective, impactful interactions at all levels.
Examples of communication workshops include:
Communicating Effectively
Communicate with Impact and Influence
Having Courageous Conversations
Presentation Skills
Examples of communication workshops include:
Communicating Effectively
Communicate with Impact and Influence
Having Courageous Conversations
Presentation Skills
Workshops on Collaboration
Boost team effectiveness with our collaboration workshops. Whether you need to focus on improving communication, fostering innovation, or navigating challenges, our sessions help create cohesive, high-performing teams at any level.
Examples of Collaboration workshops include: Cohesive Teams
Creating Collaborative Team Practices
Building Psychological Safety
Workshops on Effectiveness
Enhance your personal and professional effectiveness with our targeted workshops. Learn strategies to help you to achieve greater productivity, balance, and success in both work and personal life.
Examples of Effectiveness workshops include:
Delegation
Giving and Receiving Feedback
Prioritisation and Time Management
Effective Team Meetings
Examples of Effectiveness workshops include:
Delegation
Giving and Receiving Feedback
Prioritisation and Time Management
Effective Team Meetings
Workshops on Impact
Transform your approach with our workshops focused on supporting you to plan for, create and monitor impact. Gain practical tools and insights to drive meaningful change, set clear objectives, and evaluate success in your initiatives.
Examples of Impact workshops include:
Outcomes and Results
Project Management
Impactful Learning and Development
Outcomes and Results
Project Management
Impactful Learning and Development
Workshops on Leadership
Elevate your leadership skills with our dynamic workshops which are designed to foster confidence, inspire teams, and drive results. Learn essential strategies for effective decision-making, communication, and influence, empowering you to lead with impact.
Examples of Leadership workshops include:
Strategy and Strategic Thinking
Leadership Styles
Leading in an Agile Environment
Leadership Styles
Leading in an Agile Environment
Workshops on Management
Transform your management approach with our engaging workshops, which focus on practical skills and innovative strategies. Equip yourself with the tools to inspire your team, navigate challenges, and
cultivate a thriving team culture.
cultivate a thriving team culture.
Examples of Management workshops include:
Motivating and Engaging your Team
Developing Collaborative and Accountable Teams
Leading a Hybrid / Remote Team
Having Courageous Conversations
Developing Collaborative and Accountable Teams
Leading a Hybrid / Remote Team
Having Courageous Conversations
Workshops on Resilience
Build resilience with our empowering workshops, which are designed to equip you with strategies for navigating challenges and overcoming setbacks. Discover techniques to enhance mental agility, emotional strength, and a positive mindset in both personal and professional settings.
Examples of Management workshops include:
Developing Resilience in Ourselves and Others
Supporting the Wellbeing of Others
Unmasking your Imposter
Supporting the Wellbeing of Others
Unmasking your Imposter
Workshops on
Self-awareness
Cultivate self-awareness with our insightful workshops, which are aimed at helping you understand your strengths, values, and behaviours. Gain tools to reflect, enhance emotional intelligence, and foster personal growth for improved relationships and decision-making.
Examples of Self-awareness workshops include:
Insights Discovery
Emotional Intelligence
Working with your Values
Emotional Intelligence
Working with your Values
Workshops on
Strategy
Develop your strategic thinking skills with our interactive workshops, which are designed to help you analyse, plan, and execute effective strategies. Learn to align goals, anticipate challenges, and drive sustainable success in your organisation.
Examples of Strategy workshops include:
Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
Bringing Strategy into Reality
Aligning Strategy and Culture
Bringing Strategy into Reality
Aligning Strategy and Culture
Workshops on
Teamworking
Enhance your teamwork skills with our collaborative workshops. Focus on building trust, improving communication, and fostering a sense of belonging. Learn techniques to navigate conflicts, leverage diverse strengths, and create a high-performing team dynamic.
Examples of Teamworking workshops include:
Insights Discovery
Effective and Cohesive Teams
Working in a Hybrid Environment
Effective and Cohesive Teams
Working in a Hybrid Environment
Meet the team
Dave Tosh
Dave Tosh (OBE) is a licensed Insights Discovery practitioner, executive coach, and facilitator. He actively brings his experience and knowledge when working with people at all levels within organisations. Dave has coached up to and including senior leaders in the public, private and third sectors.
Dave has over 40 years working experience in the public sector, private sector and the armed forces and recently retired as Director of Resources for the Welsh Parliament (Senedd). In 2022, Dave became a recipient of an OBE for Parliamentary and Public Service.
Dave has over 40 years working experience in the public sector, private sector and the armed forces and recently retired as Director of Resources for the Welsh Parliament (Senedd). In 2022, Dave became a recipient of an OBE for Parliamentary and Public Service.
Qualifications:
- ilm Level 7 Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring
- Licensed to practice with Insights Discovery®
Meet the team
Natalie Savery
Natalie is an experienced Learning and Development Professional, who specialises in developing leaders and finding ways to make learning fit for purpose, flexible and (dare we say it) fun! Natalie has a natural thirst for learning which has led her to continuously develop her skills in Coaching and Action Learning, learning and development approaches, employee engagement and strategic leadership over the course of her career. She has hands-on experience of leading remote and hybrid teams and has extensive understanding and skills in creating digital, face-to-face and blended learning solutions. Natalie is a strong advocate for coaching at all levels and strives to support others to reach their potential through building strong, open and effective coaching relationships.
Qualifications:
- ilm Level 7 Strategic Leadership & Management
- ilm Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring
- CIPD Level 7 Strategic Learning and Development
- ilm Action Learning Facilitation
- EQ-i 2.0 Emotional Intelligence Psychometric Practitioner
- Level 3 Internal Verification of Credit Based Learning
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Candidates in the Workplace
- Working towards Level 3 Digital Learning Practitioner qualification
Professional Bodies
- Chartered Member of The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD)
- Fellow of The Learning & Performance Institute (LPI)
- Master Coach with European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC)
- Member of the Institute of Leadership (IoL)
- Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Meet our associates
Allison Holland
Allison is an energetic and visionary leader who works with senior leaders and organisations to build confidence, courage and trust. With expertise in workforce and succession planning, change leadership and organisational development, she has supported transformation across a range of sectors.
A trusted partner, coach and facilitator, she balances challenge with support, believing that when leaders come together with shared purpose and values, great things can happen. Passionate about developing the next generation of leaders – especially women – Allison brings knowledge, insight and a collaborative approach to every organisation she works with.
A trusted partner, coach and facilitator, she balances challenge with support, believing that when leaders come together with shared purpose and values, great things can happen. Passionate about developing the next generation of leaders – especially women – Allison brings knowledge, insight and a collaborative approach to every organisation she works with.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships:
- ilm level 7 Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring
- MSc in Management and Leadership in Public Service
- PGCE in Adult Education
- Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership and
Management (CMI Level 7)
- Systematic Team Coach
- Qualified practitioner of Insights Discovery
- Trained to use ACT for Psychological Flexibility
- Accredited to administer and coach using EQi-2.0
(Emotional Intelligence) and MTQ48 (resilience)
- Tutor, assessor and supervisor for ilm qualifications in
coaching and leadership and management - level 5
and 7
- Member of the European Mentoring and Coaching
Council
Meet our associates
Dawn Smart
Dawn is one of our key associates and we would have her as part of our delivery team wherever possible. She is a joy to work with and our learners feel the same way – in fact they have nothing but positive things to say about her. Dawn’s engaging energy is there in her face to face delivery and her online webinars. She is something of an online master, managing learners through all kinds of topics, in her clear and optimistic way.
She is also a qualified executive coach, adept at turning her hand to developing individuals as well as groups. Dawn has been a key part of our team since 2017, working with Leaderful Action on large scales, long term projects. Dawn is so committed to delivering for our clients and so involved in what we do, that we often forget that she isn’t a full-time member of our team.
She is also a qualified executive coach, adept at turning her hand to developing individuals as well as groups. Dawn has been a key part of our team since 2017, working with Leaderful Action on large scales, long term projects. Dawn is so committed to delivering for our clients and so involved in what we do, that we often forget that she isn’t a full-time member of our team.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships:
- ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring
- Working with and Coaching Neurodivergent clients
- Postgraduate Diploma in HRM
Meet our associates
Helen Whitney
Helen is a skilled executive coach and mentor with over 22 years’ experience in Occupational Psychology, Human Resources, and Organisational Development. She supports leaders at all levels in managing change, workplace challenges, and conflict, helping them enhance relationships, build confidence, and step into more senior roles.
Her coaching style is warm, invested, and encouraging, providing a safe space for reflection and growth. Drawing on positive psychology, neuroscience, and regenerative leadership practices, Helen offers insightful feedback and practical strategies, empowering individuals to overcome barriers, develop emotional intelligence, and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships:
- Senior Practitioner Accreditation with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC - EIA)
- ilm Level 7 Diploma in Leadership Mentoring & Executive Coaching
- Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Social Behaviour Change
- MSc Occupational Psychology
- Qualified (BPS Level A and B) to use wide range of psychometric instruments including WAVE and the EQi 2.0 (measure of emotional intelligence)
- Qualified facilitator of the Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) conflict management/prevention tool
Meet our associates
Bethan Emanuel
We started working with Bethan in 2018 and she is an integral part of our team. She has a long career in senior and strategic positions within HR so brings heaps of leadership and people experience to the work she does. Bethan is very versatile and loves the variety of work she is able to do with us. For every new project or learning group she is able tune in to their needs and adapt her approach, with an enthusiasm that is infectious. Bethan can shift seamlessly between working with senior leaders to first line managers, and has a wealth of ideas for all situations.
Her adaptability applies to languages as well – she is bi-lingual in Welsh and English and can facilitate or coach in either. She may be flexible but she’s not afraid to call a spade a spade and her honesty is appreciated by us and her learners alike. Bethan is committed to a long and prosperous career in learning and development and has an enviable CPD record to prove it. We look forward to sharing the journey with her for many more years to come.
Her adaptability applies to languages as well – she is bi-lingual in Welsh and English and can facilitate or coach in either. She may be flexible but she’s not afraid to call a spade a spade and her honesty is appreciated by us and her learners alike. Bethan is committed to a long and prosperous career in learning and development and has an enviable CPD record to prove it. We look forward to sharing the journey with her for many more years to come.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships:
- ILM Level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring (USW)
- MA Strategic Human Resources Management (Liverpool John Moores)
- Chartered Fellow of CIPD
- Member of the Association for Coaching (AC)
Meet our associates
Manjula Bray
Manjula is a highly motivated business psychologist and executive coach with extensive experience in leadership development, assessment, and HR. She helps organisations and individuals enhance performance through bespoke solutions, including coaching, psychometric testing, and development programmes.
With a strong track record since 2002, Manjula works across a range of sectors, bringing credibility and clear communication to every engagement. She also contributes to voluntary boards and professional communities, supporting ethical practice, inclusion, and the growth of coaching networks.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships:
- Certified On Line Facilitator
- ILM Level 7 certificate in executive coaching and leadership mentoring
- MSc in Entrepreneurship
- Postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management
- BSc Applied Psychology (2i)
- BPS Level B+ certified in a range of occupational assessments, including MBTI, 16PF(5), NEO PI-R, OPQ32, WAVE, MTQ48, EIP, aptitude tests, and 'Implicitly' (unconscious bias).
- Member of Special Group for Coaching Psychology
- Fellow of CIPD
Meet our associates
Sian Roberts
Sian has worked within the Health and Social Care field for 17 years, dedicating most of her career to the substance misuse sector. She has worked as a leader and a manager for 11 years having significant experience in change management, transforming culture, nurturing new leaders, supervision skills and tender writing.
Outside of her working life, Sian is passionate about food. She can be found cooking up a storm trying new recipes in her kitchen or out in nature foraging for ingredients. She also enjoys lifting weights and spending time with feline friends.
Outside of her working life, Sian is passionate about food. She can be found cooking up a storm trying new recipes in her kitchen or out in nature foraging for ingredients. She also enjoys lifting weights and spending time with feline friends.
Qualifications:
- ILM Level 5 in Leadership and Management
- ILM Level 3 in Life Coaching
- Action Learning Facilitator
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
- MA in Consultative Supervision and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care Work Based Assessor
Meet our associates
Nina Goldsworthy-Griffiths
Nina is an experienced leadership trainer, coach, mentor and facilitator. She draws on over 22 years’ experience in a broad range of diverse sectors and specialises in creating purposeful learning solutions that enhances the performance of leaders and improves employee engagement. Nina develops and maintains strong working relationships with key stakeholders and decision makers; these relationships ensure that business strategies succeed so employees feel “Valued, Supported and Engaged”.
Qualifications:
- BA(Hons) in Training and Educations
- Certificate in Education(PGCE)
- Insights Discovery Practitioner
- Coaching level 5
- Business and Finance HND/HNC
- Customer Service NVQ level three
- Brain Friendly Learning course
- Basic Skills 9282
- Assessor and Verifier awards
Meet our associates
Marcus David
Marcus has extensive experience of designing, delivering, assessing and internally verifying a wide range of accredited and non-accredited training programmes and workshops across all levels, including ilm qualifications. Marcus has an open, warm and relaxed style of delivery with an excellent knowledge of learning theories, application and assessment. He is an internal verifier for Investors in People.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships:
- Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE (PCET)
- HND Business and Finance
- NLP Business Practitioner
- A1 & V1 Assessor Awards
- Chartered member of the CIPD (MCIPD)
- CIPD Tutor and Internal Verifier for Weston College & SGS College
Meet the team
Leema Sabir
More details coming soon...
Meet our associates
Ian Diment
Ian is a warm, focused leader with extensive experience in HR, leadership development, and organisational transformation. He has designed and implemented leadership programmes, integrated practical tools across organisations, and led change initiatives that align people, culture, and strategy.
Passionate about conscious and authentic leadership, Ian emphasises self-awareness, psychological safety, and responsible business practices to create positive workplace cultures. A trained coach and facilitator, he helps leaders and teams reflect, grow, and perform at their best. Outside of work, Ian enjoys playing the drums, cooking, and exploring different cultures through travel.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships:
- Post Graduate Diploma in HR Management
- BA (Hons) Degree in Town Planning
- ILM Level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring (qualification pending)
- Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Meet our associates
Andrea Street OBE
Andrea is a solution-focused coach who blends positive psychology with a strengths-based approach to help people achieve their goals. She creates a supportive yet challenging space built on trust, using flexible models and tools to unlock insight and growth.
With senior leadership experience in health, social care and housing, she brings both expertise and a commitment to compassionate leadership. Passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion, Andrea helps individuals build confidence, increase impact, navigate challenges and transitions, and believe in what’s possible for their future.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships:
- ILM Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching and Mentoring
- Qualified Coach - Executive Coaching and Mentoring provided for NHS, Local Government and Welsh Government as part of my one public service role
- Member of Association for Coaching, Academi Wales Coaching Network and All Wales Coaching Alliance. (Coach Profile and Testimonials available)
Coming Soon!
We're working hard behind the scenes to develop this section where you will be able to access our online learning resources. In the meantime you can contact us by using the the 'Get in touch' button on the homepage or by emailing hello@leaderfulaction.com
Introduction to Insights
We begin with an Introduction to Insights, working through what the colours mean and how they inform our behaviours, motivations and style. We explore:
Self-awareness – who am I?
Team-awareness – who are we?
Working preferences, decision-making and perception.
Exploring personal profiles with one another to build cohesion and awareness of difference.
Team Effectiveness with Insights
Team effectiveness is made up of a number of factors and Insights provides us with a simple framework, linked to the four colour energies that helps us to assess and develop our team effectiveness.
This workshop can cover:
This workshop can cover:
Team and needs analysis
Team working and communication preferences.
Team learning and action planning.
Improving Team Effectiveness with Insights
Improving team communication builds on the basics of Insights Discovery communication preferences and explores what works, what doesn’t and why?
We assess individual and team preferences for communication and keeping in touch. We also look outwards from the team – who are our stakeholders and customers, how do and should we communicate with them to improve relationships.
We assess individual and team preferences for communication and keeping in touch. We also look outwards from the team – who are our stakeholders and customers, how do and should we communicate with them to improve relationships.
Team Resilience with Insights
In this workshop we explore the basics of what makes individuals and teams resilient, we explore our individual and team colours and how we can use these better to support resilience.
We discuss indicators and signs that could indicate resilience issues and agree individual and collective actions to develop resilience
We discuss indicators and signs that could indicate resilience issues and agree individual and collective actions to develop resilience
Meet the team
Marie Talmage
Marie is a versatile professional with over 15 years’ experience spanning administration, digital communications, HR support, housing services, and customer service across public, private, and third-sector organisations. She specialises in streamlining processes, coordinating social media, developing partnerships, and creating engaging digital content.
With a strong background in finance administration, safeguarding, data management, and event coordination, Marie has a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality results. Her creative skills in photography and visual media add a dynamic dimension to her work. Guided by values of honesty, professionalism, and hard work, Marie is committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of her role.
Qualifications:
- HNC Business Studies – University of South Wales (Modules: Contract Law, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Management Accounts, HR, Economics).
- ILM Level 3 Leadership & Management.
- National Qualification in Photography – Level 5.
- ECDL Level 2.
- RSA Communications in Business.
- Extensive CPD including: Data Protection, CBT Skills, Stress Management, Safeguarding Adults & Children, Train the Trainer, Social Media in the Workplace, and Wellbeing at Work.
Meet the team
Ceri Smith
Ceri joined Leaderful Action in June 2025 as a Learning Co-ordinator, bringing with her over 25 years of HR experience and more than 5 years prior experience delivering training in the adult education sector. Passionate about learning and development, she delights in being part of an enthusiastic team that expertly designs and delivers collaborative solutions for the achievement of excellence and the celebration of success.
Qualifications:
- MSc Human Resource Management
- CIPD Level 7 People Management and Development
- CIPD Level 7 Employment Law
- D32/D33 City & Guilds Assessor Award
- City & Guilds Adult Education Teachers Certificate
Professional Bodies
- Chartered Member of The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD)
Meet the team
Cassie Austin
Cassie is a skilled and organised professional with nearly a decade of experience in the television industry, where she developed strong coordination, communication skills and a creative eye. A career shift into health and social care sparked her interest in learning and development, leading her to pursue opportunities that support personal and professional growth.
At Leaderful Action, Cassie brings her eye for detail, structured approach and passion for purposeful work to help the team deliver learning experiences that are accessible, engaging and impactful.
Qualifications:
- Level 4 Preparing for Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care
- Designated Safeguarding Officer (Level 3)
- STA Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work
- BA(Hons) Animation
Meet our associates
Daljit Morris
Daljit is a highly experienced Senior Manager with a strong background in leadership development and organisational effectiveness. She specialises in motivating and empowering emerging leaders through practical, skills-based learning, focusing on communication, performance, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
Passionate about creating safe, inclusive learning environments, Daljit encourages reflection, curiosity, and cultural awareness. A relaxed and engaging facilitator, she draws on personal experience to support growth and development, with a particular interest in empowering women from diverse backgrounds and helping leaders embed inclusivity at every level.
Qualifications:
- ILM Level 7 – Diploma in Management
- ILM Level 3 – First Line Management
- BA Applied Social Studies
Meet our associates
Ian Bancroft
Ian’s facilitation is grounded in co-design, clarity, and purpose. He creates inclusive, engaging spaces where teams align around vision, values, and behaviours, fostering practical outcomes and shared ownership. His warm, focused style emphasises self-awareness and authentic leadership, with every session shaped around clear objectives.
With decades of senior leadership experience across public, private, and social enterprise sectors, Ian brings a practical, strategic lens to his coaching and facilitation. Drawing on leadership models, frameworks, and performance coaching principles, he helps individuals and teams navigate change, improve dynamics, and embed a culture of collaboration, reflection, and growth.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships: