Cohort 6
Applications for Cohort 6 are now closed. Applications for Cohort 7 will open in 2027
Pricing
£4,950. See if you’re eligible for a bursary below.
Become the leader you’re meant to be
A leadership programme unlike any other, Climb is a 10-month journey offering world-class training, a supportive network, and unparalleled opportunities to help you thrive as an impactful leader.
“We need a revolution in leadership; not another reorganisation but a revolution. Climb is developing the revolutionaries.”
Professor Sir Muir Gray, Founder of the National Library for Health and inaugural Chief Knowledge Officer of the NHS
Together, we Climb.
Ready to lead change in a complex world? Climb gives you the mindset, tools and support to tackle real challenges and achieve what once felt out of reach.
Through radical, immersive experiences, you’ll build the courage, clarity and practical strategies to inspire action and drive meaningful change. You’ll develop your emotional intelligence, strengthen your leadership voice, and gain hands-on experience working on the issues that matter most.
Learn, Grow, Connect.
Climb is led by expert facilitators and shaped by the real-world experiences of leaders like you. You’ll join a community of peers who challenge and champion each other—and stay connected long after the course ends.
We’ll continue to support you as your leadership grows and your impact deepens.
Professional development that counts.
Climb is recognised as a high-impact leadership development experience. Completion of the programme can contribute towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Management at Swansea University.
What you’ll learn.
- Discover your unique leadership style and how you relate to the world and those around you.
- Learn to strategise and think systemically, understanding the power of belonging.
- Develop new tools and skills to make change by inspiring and mobilising others to your cause.
- Uncover new strengths and push beyond your comfort zone through challenge-based learning.
Explore success stories
Applying for Climb
This programme has limited places for applicants with the right mindset and skills.
Attendance is required for all sessions, both virtual and in-person, ending with a summit showcasing your achievements.
Applicants must secure their organisation’s support for study leave, travel, and accommodation, or explore sponsorship and self-funding options.
Applications for Cohort 6 are now closed.
How to Apply
Step 1 – Apply
Complete the online application form and submit a 90-second video introducing yourself and your motivation for Climb.
If you are unable to submit a video, please contact Abbey Griffiths (abbey.griffiths@wales.nhs.uk) to make alternative arrangements.
Step 2 – Assessment Day (Shortlisted Applicants)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend one assessment day of their choice:
– North Wales – Bangor, 28 April 2026
– West Wales – Carmarthen, 30 April 2026
– South-East Wales – Cardiff, 6 May 2026
Each assessment day includes a short, immersive team-based experience followed by a group table-top exercise.
Step 3 – Join the Cohort
Around 30 delegates will be invited to form the final cohort. Successful applicants will be invited to attend the previous cohort’s Summit on 30 June 2026 at Swansea University, before beginning their own Climb journey in autumn 2026 (dates to be confirmed).
Climb runs over 10 months and involves around 20 days of commitment. The programme blends in-person and virtual learning, with two residential events at the beginning and end, sessions across North and South Wales, and culminates in the Climb Summit, a day-long conference and graduation event in summer 2027.
Selection Criteria
Climb’s unique selection process is matched by its inclusive approach. There is no required level of seniority, professional background, grade or prior training.
Instead, applicants are assessed for:
– Emotional intelligence and courageous, compassionate leadership
– A hunger for innovation
– Tolerance for ambiguity
– An entrepreneurial mindset
– Cognitive flexibility
We are looking for people with the potential to grow, lead and create change, whatever their role or background.
If you’d like to know more about whether this programme is right for you, please contact us.
Meet your teachers
At Climb, we pride ourselves on our world-leading teachers. The profiles on our website offer a glimpse into the exceptional educators who have contributed to our program so far and the line-up has changed each year.
As we continuously refine and enhance our curriculum, we introduce new and exciting teachers each year, ensuring that you benefit from the latest insights and expertise in the field.
Natasha Zimmerman
Organisational Psychologist and world-leading expert in Belonging
Jane Booth-Tobin
Director of the P3 Lab, Johns Hopkins University
Neil Cocker
Entrepreneur and founder of TedxCardiff
Mark Prain
Founding Director of the Hillary Institute of International Leadership
Hahrie Han
Director of the SNF Agora Institute and Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University
Professor Sir Muir Gray
Honorary Clinical Researcher at the University of Oxford’s Centre for Evidence-based Medicine
Programme dates
The dates for Climb Cohort 5 have been scheduled as follows.
N.B. Dates for Cohort 6 (2026/27) have yet to be agreed but will follow a similar pattern as below.
| 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|
| 5 September – Welcome and Introductions | 2 – 3 February – VALLEY OF SILENCE: 2-day in-person session |
| 23 – 25 September – BASECAMP: Immersive Residential Session | 23 – 24 March – HIGH ALTITUDE: 2-day virtual session |
| 12 November – ACCLIMITISATION: 1-day Virtual Session | 22 – 24 April – LHOTSE WALL: 2-day in-person session |
| 2 – 3 December – KHUMBU ICEFALL: 2-day Virtual Session | 1 May – Coursework deadline |
| 18 – 22 May – WORLD’S EDGE: Immersive Residential Session | |
| 30 June – SUMMIT |
Programme fees
Individuals who work in health and publicly-funded social care in Wales will have their course fees covered in full by a bursary provided by the Welsh Government.
The fee for candidates from outside of health and care in Wales is £4,950.
If you’re not sure whether you are eligible, please contact us.
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