This stage focuses on leaders who typically have the responsibility for just one team or line of accountability. These are leaders both clinical and non-clinical who are closest to day-to-day operations and making things happen.
Click here to access a breakdown of the leadership behaviours and competencies expected at this level. The competencies help frontline/ first-line managers and leaders understand what is expected of them as they begin to take responsibility for the work of others, in addition to their own.
Examples of roles sitting in this area include;
Senior community speech and language therapist – You manage your own caseload and are now supervising junior therapists. You are learning to balance your own work with supporting others and want to feel confident managing workload, team dynamics and competing priorities.
Community pharmacist – You manage medication plans and reviews, supporting patients with long term conditions to optimise treatment. You’re the go to for your GP practice on medication queries, repeat prescriptions and clinical audits. You’re aiming for a lead pharmacist role and want to know what skills you’ll need.
Ward nurse – You coordinate patient care on a busy ward and regularly support colleagues. You are keen to take the next step in your career and would like to become a ward matron one day. You want to build skills in communicating priorities, managing upwards and leading in changing clinical situations.
Corporate staff member – You plan, manage and deliver services or projects that support the organisation. You work with colleagues across teams and may liaise with external partners such as contractors, suppliers and specialist advisers to help deliver safe, efficient and effective day-to-day operations.
Leadership development you should consider at this level = Oxled Frontline & First line leaders programme
The OxLead Front / First Line Leaders Programme is Oxleas’ core leadership development offer for leaders working at the frontline, where leadership has the greatest day to day impact on staff experience, service quality, and patient care.
The programme is designed to support leaders who manage teams, coordinate work on the ground, and translate organisational priorities into consistent practice. It strengthens both the human and operational aspects of leadership, helping participants grow confidence, capability and impact in their role.
OxLead is aligned to Our Leadership Way and the NHS Management and Leadership Framework, ensuring leadership at Oxleas is compassionate, inclusive, values driven and performance focused. It combines self awareness, practical skills and real world application to support leaders to lead effectively in complex and pressured environments.
The programme is designed for frontline and first line leaders, typically in Band 7 roles, who:
OxLead is open to clinical and non clinical leaders, reflecting Oxleas’ belief that effective leadership matters at every level and in every service. The programme is inclusive by design and supports leaders across different professions, settings, and services to develop a shared leadership language and approach.
The OxLead programme focuses on the practical realities of frontline leadership, combining self insight with applied leadership skills. Key areas covered include:
The programme uses a blended learning approach, combining workshops, facilitated discussions, practical tools and supported reflection, enabling leaders to apply learning directly to their role and workplace challenges.