General Management Trainee - Register your interest

Applications are now closed for 2026 entry. Applications for 2027 scheme entry will open in September 2026.

Start your journey in General Management

General Management offers a unique opportunity to develop as a future NHS leader while making a real difference to patients, communities and staff.

The NHS is one of the world's largest and most complex organisations, and effective leadership is essential to delivering high-quality healthcare. As a General Management trainee, you'll work across a variety of NHS settings, helping to improve services, lead change and support the delivery of safe, effective and sustainable patient care.

Throughout the Scheme, you'll gain experience of how healthcare organisations operate and develop the skills needed to lead teams, manage services and influence strategic decision-making. You'll work alongside experienced leaders and clinicians, building a broad understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the NHS today and in the future.

On placement, you could be involved in:

• Service improvement and transformation projects.
• Operational and performance management.
• Strategy development and implementation.
• Managing budgets and resources.
• Leading change across healthcare services.
• Workforce and service planning.
• Supporting partnership working across organisations and systems.
• Delivering projects that improve patient experience and outcomes.

This is an opportunity to build a career that combines leadership, problem-solving and purpose while helping shape the future of healthcare.

Qualifications

As a General Management trainee, you'll study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership, designed specifically to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of future NHS leaders.

The programme combines academic study with practical workplace experience, enabling you to apply your learning directly to real-world healthcare challenges.

Alongside your academic studies, you'll participate in the NHS Rosalind Franklin Leadership Development Programme, designed to help you understand, develop and apply your personal leadership style.

The programme combines:

• Residential and conference-style learning experiences.
• Virtual workshops.
• Small-group development activities.
• Action Learning Sets.
• Networking and leadership events.

You'll learn alongside fellow trainees and gain insights from leaders across health, social care and other sectors.

Teaching takes place during working hours, although trainees should expect to complete coursework and revision independently alongside their role.

Career path

Our General Management alumni have progressed into a wide range of leadership roles across the NHS, including:

• Service Manager.
• Operational Manager.
• Senior Programme Manager.
• General Manager.
• Business Manager.
• Transformation Lead.
• Associate Director.
• Chief Executive.

Support and development

We're looking for leadership potential. To help you achieve yours, every trainee receives comprehensive support throughout the Scheme.

This includes:

• A Trainee Support Manager (TSM), providing pastoral and wellbeing support throughout your time on the Scheme.
• An Education Officer, supporting your academic journey and professional development.
• A Placement Manager for each placement, acting as your day-to-day line manager.
• A Programme Manager who oversees your overall progression and competency development.
• A trainee Buddy from a previous cohort who can share their experience, advice and support.

You'll also benefit from the wider GMTS network, including fellow trainees, alumni, NHS leaders, university tutors and professional experts who will help support your development and future career..

“People think work in the NHS is all clinical but that’s really not the case. The General Management specialism allows me to work closely with staff and have a positive impact on patients. I wanted to be as involved as possible in a non-clinical position and this was the best way to do that.”

Mia, General Management