ACCELERATE 2026

We have been delighted with the feedback we have received from the last eight cohorts; and despite the significant challenges of the last years, Accelerate continues to be seen as an essential development programme for those leaders who are overseeing or managing complex change programmes. We are pleased to be launching the ninth year of our Accelerate programme, delivered in partnership with Newton. 

Accelerate supports senior leaders (working at the director or assistant director level) to develop the leadership capabilities required to oversee, or manage teams to deliver complex transformational change.

The programme, which involves four short residential modules over a 10-month period, starts in March every year. 

To download the course flyer with more information about content, deadlines and the course schedule, please click here. You can also download a pdf version of the application form for reference only - please note that we will only accept applications completed via this online form and not those with a pdf version. The application form is comprised of four sections:

1. The candidate's personal statement; outlining why you feel you are the right person for this programme and any areas which you are looking to develop;
2. The candidate's project outline; including details of the project or projects which are being delivered by members of your senior team or for which you have direct accountability;
3. The candidate's line manager support statement;
4. Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

The extended deadline for applications is 12th December 2025. 

Interviews will be held on the 19th and 21st of January 2026. Please hold both of these dates to be available should you be selected for interview.

Let us know in the application email if you require any special arrangements to be made for the interview. 

To know more about previous cohorts' experiences, please visit our latest cohort report here. For any other queries or for more information, please contact programmes@adass.org.uk.

This online form has the option to save and continue amending later - simply click on the save button to be sent an email with an amendment link to continue your application later. For the application to be considered, you are required to complete all sections of this application form, including the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form.

During the Accelerate programme, participants will rapidly develop their capability to lead their teams to deliver effective, complex, strategic and operational change.

Each participant will therefore need to be able to bring the detail of one or – probably in the case of DASS applicants - multiple programmes to apply throughout the course.

Your application should include details of the project or projects which are being delivered by members of your senior team or for which you have direct accountability.

The project or projects should:

• Have a clearly articulated purpose that is aligned with national and local priorities; 
• Be of sufficient scale, political profile and complexity whilst also necessitating cultural change; 
• Last 6-18 months in duration; 
• Be important and supported within your organisation, and have a senior sponsor.

To enable this genuinely collaborative style of learning the sessions will be run under the Chatham House Rule. This will also apply to the trainers and facilitators.

Please ask your line manager (in most cases this is likely to be your DASS or Chief Executive) to:

1. Confirm their support for your application; 
2. Say why they think you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above, and;
3. Why they think this programme will be of benefit to your development.

Disability

Under the Equality Act 2010, a person is considered to have a disability if she/he has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on her/his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

ADASS accepts the social model of disability. However, in order to be able to identify and respond to your specific needs, it is important that we know what kind of disability you have. Please select the option that best represents you.

If none of the categories applies, please select ‘other’. If you do not wish to disclose this information, please select the appropriate option. Please skip this question if you have responded 'no' to the previous one. 

Ethnicity
Please select the box that best describes your ethnic group.

Gender 

Please select the box that best describes you. If you are undergoing the process of gender reassignment, please tick the box that applies to your future gender

Religion and Caring Responsibilities