Case Study: NHS Leadership Academy – Leading Multi-Disciplinary Teams Programme

Developing Visionary MDT Leaders to Drive Integrated, Patient-Centred Care

The Challenge

Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) working is increasingly recognised as a key enabler of integrated, patient-centred care in the NHS. However, many health and care professionals lack the specific skills to effectively lead MDTs.

The NHS Leadership Academy identified this skills gap as a barrier to realising the full potential of system-wide integration. They sought a partner to design and deliver a programme to develop a diverse cohort of 50 leaders into confident, capable MDT leaders.

Our Approach

Tricordant collaborated closely with the NHS Leadership Academy to design a comprehensive 9-month programme on ‘Leading an MDT’.

Key elements included:

• A curriculum framework aligned to the core competencies of effective MDT leadership.
• Workshops on team dynamics, leading change, navigating professional diversity, and more.
• Interactive workshops and action learning groups to facilitate peer learning and contextual problem-solving.
• Contributions from expert practitioners sharing real-world case studies and best practices.
• Coaching support as participants applied the learning to establish and lead MDTs in their own contexts.

Throughout, we provided objective guidance, helping participants navigate challenges and uncover practical solutions.

In addition, we took the recorded material from 6 online workshops, and reshaped it into an e-learning package of 7 modules with supporting workbooks and additional resources. This is now hosted on the NHS leadership Academy’s Leadership Learning Zone and available to all health and care staff across England.

The Results

Armed with new tools and frameworks, the 50 leaders are now establishing and leading MDTs across the health and care system. Results include:

• Participants reporting increased confidence and skills in MDT leadership.
• Participants reported a significant increase in their understanding of the value and evidence base for MDTs
• The diverse cohort built a strong peer network, enabling them to share experiences and support each other beyond the programme.
• Many have become MDT champions, sharing their learning and advocating for collaborative working within their organisations and local systems
• An active alumni network enabling ongoing peer support and knowledge sharing

Participant quotes:

“Fantastic examples that brought some ‘realism’ into MDTs, answered a lot of questions, and feel inspired to share with the team. Thank you”

“Really informative and thought provoking.”

“Very positive and inspiring.  Wonderful to bring all the experience together in this structured way.”

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