News & Events Event

Leadership Support Programme

Provided by: Independent Theatre Council

Event details

  • External Event
  • 06.10.26
  • £160 +VAT

In the wake of the pandemic, ITC has seen a significant rise in work-based disputes, including complaints, grievances, disciplinary issues, project and contract breakdowns, company splits, and closures. Coupled with funding losses, rising living costs, and a growing recruitment crisis, leading and managing a company in our sector has become increasingly challenging.

To help navigate these difficult times, ITC has launched a pilot project designed to enable leaders within our network to support and mentor each other. Leveraging our uniquely committed and skilled community of leaders, this initiative aims to foster connections and knowledge-sharing through the principles of action learning (peer coaching).

Programme Elements

Action-Learning: Peer Coaching for Leaders

Action learning is a peer coaching approach that employs active listening, open questions, and non-judgmental reflection to create a safe environment for problem-solving and strategy development. It is based on respect, confidentiality, and giving advice only when requested. Participants resolve their challenges with the support of their peers.

This project will implement group action-learning in mutual mentoring groups. Here’s how it works:

  1. Initial Online Session: Participants will begin with a facilitated action-learning group session to introduce peer coaching skills and processes and enable problem-solving presentations.
  2. Peer Pairing: Following the session, participants will receive guidance for peer coaching and be grouped with 2 colleagues from the sector. ITC will manage the peer matching process and provide ongoing support.
  3. Ongoing Sessions: Participants will commit to meet 3-4 times over the year (either in-person or via Zoom) for 2-3 hour peer problem-solving sessions.
  4. Evaluation: At the year’s end, participants will join a facilitated evaluation session. We hope peer groups will continue their relationships, with ITC facilitating swaps and rematches as needed.

Who Should Join?

This programme is ideal for:

  • Artistic Directors
  • Executive Directors
  • Executive Producers
  • CEOs
  • General Managers
  • Chairs of Boards
  • Senior Staff

If you’d like to know more about what is involved in the scheme, you can get in touch with Charlotte; [email protected]

Cost: Participation requires a one-off registration fee of £160 + VAT
Date: The next introduction session will be held on 6th October 2026

This programme is exclusively for ITC Members. Please log in to book.