{
  "abstract": "Background There is no doubt that strong and confident leadership will be key to a successful future of hospice and palliative care, as systems, organisations and teams grapple with growing/changing demand for end-of-life care within limited/reducing resources. Palliative care has enjoyed courageous, resilient and visionary leadership historically – arguably key to sector growth in the last half-century. Now it needs to invest in similar leadership for the next 50 years.Introduction St Christopher’s Hospice has responded to this opportunity, establishing a seven-month course for aspiring directors. Its programme seeks to be transformational, strengthening personal and professional assets in individuals so that they can maximise their future impact.Method The course is hybrid in nature, allowing a blend of UK and global participants. The majority of sessions last three hours, with a fast paced and variable programme that draws on theory, stories from experienced leaders and reflection by participants. In addition, participants can access coaching and mentoring and are supported in a workplace project. Their learning is supported by online resources and a WhatsApp community through which resources focused on wellbeing and resilience are regularly disseminated.Results 18 individuals have participated in the first cohort. Their feedback confirms that this course is unique, building in more formal leadership programmes to help them appreciate and maximise their personal strengths in response to their context. The global membership has added a richness and contrast in context that participants appreciated.Discussion and Conclusion This course is building new leaders who want to step up in the future. Its timing, content and leadership are highly relevant to the challenges of hospice care in today and tomorrow’s world. Feedback from participants confirms new confidence and capability in relation to growing demands of hospices and their enduring place across health and community sectors in the future.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "St Christopher’s, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Marie Cooper"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "St Christopher’s, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Heather Richardson"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "St Christopher’s, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Annie Charman"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P-209 Pathfinders programme at St Christopher’s: investment in the development of hospice leaders",
  "uid": "e1f336fc-283b-5990-a315-4d40486f1614"
}