FWB, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh Business School, is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Executive Leadership Programme. Now in its sixth iteration, this programme was initiated following the successful introduction of the Executive Women in Leadership and Non-Executive Development Programmes, which have collectively aided over 600 delegates in advancing their professional journeys. The ELP aims to empower emerging leaders from a variety of ownership classes and organisations across diverse sectors, including private, public, and non-profit.

This dynamic, advanced programme targets individuals who aim to progress their careers within senior management. It is tailored to foster participant growth aligned with their specific leadership and career aspirations, building upon existing developmental activities by addressing competency deficiencies and crafting bespoke development strategies. Additionally, the programme provides essential tools, strategies, and networking opportunities to both support and challenge participants as they ascend to higher managerial roles.

The curriculum features insights and hands-on experiences from seasoned business leaders, enriched by academic theoretical frameworks. Each module includes case studies and discussions, spearheaded by a Business School Academic expert in the field alongside a prominent C-suite executive (Chair, CEO, CPO, etc.), who will share candid insights into their professional challenges and triumphs, focusing on relevant issues encountered throughout their careers.

Programme overview

Who should attend:

  • Individuals positioned for board-level roles within their organisations.
  • Professionals keen on mastering contemporary strategies in management and change.
  • Leaders aiming to cultivate a network of high-calibre professionals for career and business enhancement.
  • Individuals seeking a hands-on comprehension of boardroom governance and dynamics.
  • Those eager for career insights from leading global business figures operating in the UK today.

Programme benefits

  • Targeted practical preparation for board-level leadership
  • Awareness of one's leadership style, identifying strengths and areas for improvement
  • Enhanced executive leadership skills
  • Boosted confidence in leading through complex business situations
  • A strategic plan for career development through insights into the career trajectories of inspirational senior leaders and practical applications of these insights in one's own context
  • Access to a network of senior leaders locally and across various industries, offering connections, business advice, and career support

What you will learn

All sessions will be held face-to-face and delivered by both seasoned academics and experienced business leaders. Online course materials, along with recorded footage of each session, will be accessible through the University Learning Hub.

This year’s syllabus will cover:

  • Digital Transformation
  • High Performance Teams
  • Enterprise Leadership
  • Communication, Influence and Organisation Politics
  • Developing Strategy and Implementing Change
  • How to Lead Successfully in a Polycrisis

Programme details

Session Date Time Venue
Session 1 – Leading successfully in a technology enabled age Tuesday, 15 September 2026 4pm–8pm, with a Welcome drinks reception and the opportunity to network until 9pm Brodies LLP, 58 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BP
Session 2 – High performance teams Tuesday, 29 September 2026 4pm–8pm Brodies LLP, 58 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BP
Session 3 – From operational to enterprise leadership Tuesday, 13 October 2026 4pm–8pm Deacon’s Suite, Surgeon’s Hall, Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW
Session 4 – Communication, influence, and organisational politics Tuesday, 27 October 2026 4pm–8pm Playfair Room, Surgeon’s Hall, Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW
Session 5 – Embedding sustainability into strategy and change Tuesday, 10 November 2026 4pm–8pm Playfair Room, Surgeon’s Hall, Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW
Session 6 – How to lead successfully in a polycrisis Tuesday, 24 November 2026 4pm–8pm, with a Wrap-up drinks reception and the opportunity to network until 9pm Deacon’s Suite, Surgeon’s Hall, Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW

For more information around each session, including the session summary and delivery team, please see the 2026 programme brochure.

How you will learn

The programme is delivered over three months, with sessions taking place every second Tuesday. Sessions are facilitated and combine input from both academic specialists from the University of Edinburgh Business School and senior professional leaders, selected to match each session topic, thus creating an active learning environment in which participants learn from one another as well as from subject-matter experts.

Each module is built around a theme of particular relevance to senior management and board-level roles, and introduces practical tools and frameworks that can be applied immediately. During sessions, participants will also work collaboratively on scenarios and case studies.

Teaching is pitched at Executive MBA level and above, and all sessions are video recorded for delegates’ exclusive use—supporting continued learning and providing access if a session is missed. Delivery is highly practical, built around workshops, case discussions and group work throughout.

Certification

Programme attendees will receive a certificate of achievement from the University of Edinburgh Business School and FWB.

Price

For details around the fees as well as discounts, please get in touch with the Executive Leadership Programme Team.